President Isaac Herzog has not granted Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial despite the prime minister’s formal November 2025 request and external pressure from U.S. officials. Herzog’s office has prioritized mediation toward a plea deal over clemency, consistent with a Justice Ministry opinion that such action requires an admission of guilt, resignation, or conviction. The trial remains active with judges urging dismissal of a key bribery count, while coalition figures continue calling for clemency. Recent statements from figures like Naftali Bennett link any potential pardon to Netanyahu exiting politics. Israel’s October 2026 elections add further uncertainty, as the outcome could shift coalition dynamics and institutional pressures on the president’s clemency authority.