Herzog declines Trump pardon request and says Netanyahu must apply through proper channels

Israeli President Isaac Herzog responded to Trump's pardon letter on approximately November 14, 2025, declining to act on the request and stating that a pardon petition must go through proper legal channels. Under Israeli law, a pardon request must be submitted by the accused, their legal representatives, or a family member — not a foreign head of state. Herzog requested a legal opinion from the Israeli Ministry of Justice before making any decision on the matter. Netanyahu himself had not submitted a pardon application at the time of Trump's letter.