By Shane CroucherShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberIsrael's President Isaac Herzog said he will "consider only the good of the state and Israeli society" when weighing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for a pardon in his corruption trial.
Herzog has come under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to grant Netanyahu a pardon. Trump has compared his ally Netanyahu's legal troubles there to his own at home, which he has characterized as a political witch hunt.
Trump first made a surprise request for a Netanyahu pardon in his speech to the Knesset, and then followed up with a letter to Herzog to press the case again.
In a statement on Monday reported by Israeli media, and originally in Hebrew, Herzog said that on the issue of pardoning Netanyahu, "it is clear to me that it shakes many people in the country, across various communities, and it sparks debate."
"But I have already clarified and said that it will be handled in the most proper and precise manner. I will consider only the good of the state and Israeli society, with only the State of Israel and its wellbeing before my eyes," Herzog said.
"One thing is clear to me—violent discourse does not influence me. On the contrary, respectful discourse certainly encourages discussion and dialogue."
The Israeli president invited citizens to share their opinions with him via his official website.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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