Sources close to President Herzog are demanding clarifications from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding whether he is connected to US President Donald Trump’s statement that Herzog “should be ashamed” for not giving the prime minister a pardon.
“If so, this constitutes crossing a red line,” the sources said.
On Thursday, in comments to the press, Trump said that Netanyahu should receive a pardon for corruption charges and that Herzog should be “ashamed of himself” for not granting one.
“I think the people of Israel should really shame him. He’s disgraceful for not giving it. He should give it,” Trump said at the time.
“President Herzog values President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security. Israel is a sovereign state governed by the rule of law,” Herzog’s office stated, adding, “contrary to the impression created by President Trump’s remarks, President Herzog has not yet made any decision on the matter.”
The statement was released as Herzog was mid-flight, returning to Israel after his visit to Australia.
Asked by one of the reporters traveling with him for his personal reaction, Herzog said, “To the best of my recollection, I am the president of Israel.”
Herb Keinon and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.