President Isaac Herzog of Israel has halted plans to issue a preemptive pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his corruption trial, opting instead to pursue mediation for a plea agreement. This shift comes after months of political pressure, including direct appeals from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during a Knesset visit. Legal officials confirm Herzog views the pardon as a last resort, emphasizing his constitutional duty to foster national unity over unilateral action.

The move underscores escalating tensions between Israel’s judicial and political branches, with Netanyahu’s coalition allies arguing the president must transcend “legal technicalities” to resolve the crisis.