Donald Trump, speaking at the White House on Thursday, did not spare bitter words against Isaac Herzog. He stated that the president of Israel “he should be ashamed” for not having yet exercised the right of mercy towards Binyamin Netanyahu, who is answerable to the court for fraud, corruption and breach of trust.
What words did Donald Trump say to President Herzog?
Why did Trump criticize Herzog?
What did Herzog say in response to Trump's attacks?
What are the charges against Binyamin Netanyahu?
Donald Trump attacks the president of Israel
– The basic power that [Herzog] has, is to grant pardons, but it does not. He said he gave them five times, but he doesn't want to do it because, I think, he's losing power,” Trump said, calling Herzog's lack of decision “disgrace”. According to the US president, Israelis should “shame” the head of state for this attitude.
Answer from Jerusalem. “Israel is a sovereign state of law”
President Herzog's office responded quickly to the attacks coming from the White House. The official statement emphasized that, contrary to Trump's claims, the decision on the pardon has not been made yetas the legal procedure is still ongoing. The case is currently being dealt with by the Ministry of Justice, which must prepare the necessary legal opinion.
President Herzog assured that he would consider the application in accordance with the law and his own conscience, guided by the state's interest and not “influenced by external or internal pressures”.
The message also included a diplomatic but firm remark: “Israel is a sovereign state of law,” which was perceived as response to Trump's attempted interference in the country's internal affairs.
