President Isaac Herzog is reportedly seeking clarification from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over whether or not he encouraged US President Donald Trump to rebuke him over his hesitation to pardon the premier.
Trump on Thursday called Herzog “disgraceful” and said he should be “ashamed of himself” for not granting a pardon to Netanyahu, who is standing trial for alleged fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.
The comments came a day after Trump met Netanyahu in the White House, leading to speculation that Netanyahu raised the issue during their sit-down.
“If Netanyahu had a hand in this, it is a red line that has been crossed. We expect clarification on the part of the prime minister,” a source close to Herzog tells Channel 12 News.
The source further notes that Herzog was “surprised” by Trump’s statement and calls it a blow not just to the president but “the sovereign status of the State of Israel.”
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