Trump attacks Herzog in row over Netanyahu pardon

US President Donald Trump’s verbal attack on Israeli President Isaac Herzog is causing tension in Israel.

Trump told reporters at the White House that Herzog was “disgraceful” and that he should be “ashamed of himself” for not yet pardoning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was accused of corruption.

Trump said Netanyahu accomplished extraordinary things during the war.

The Israeli President’s office later clarified that, contrary to Trump’s portrayal, Herzog had not yet made a decision on pardoning.

It was stated that the application submitted by Netanyahu in November is still being examined by the Ministry of Justice according to the established procedures.

His office also stated that only after this process was completed would Herzog consider the application “in accordance with the law, in the interests of the State of Israel, guided by his conscience and without any internal or external pressure.”

His office said Herzog deeply admired Trump for his support of the Jewish state, but that Israel was a sovereign state governed by the rule of law.

Shortly before Trump attacked Herzog, the US president met with Netanyahu at the White House.

Herzog’s office therefore requested clarification on whether Netanyahu encouraged Trump in his remarks against the Israeli president, according to media reports.

Sources close to Netanyahu stated that Trump’s request for pardon was entirely at the initiative of the US president.

“The Prime Minister learned about this from the media and did not know anything about it beforehand,” they said.

Netanyahu officially requested clemency from Herzog in a letter.

It’s unclear when Herzog will make a decision on this issue.

Netanyahu has been facing corruption charges for more than five years.

He is accused of fraud, breach of trust and bribery.

Trump has repeatedly called on Herzog to pardon Netanyahu.