U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday evening issued a direct and explicit warning to Tehran, setting what he described as a narrow window for renewed diplomatic efforts — and moments later turned his fire on President Yitzhak Herzog over the ongoing trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In opening remarks focused on Iran, Trump laid out what appeared to be a rigid timetable for reaching a new agreement.
“We have to make a deal, otherwise it will be very traumatic, very dramatic,” he said. “I don’t want it to happen, but we have to make a deal. They should have made a deal the first time. Instead they got the ‘midnight hammer,’ and it will be very traumatic for Iran.”
The president indicated that time is short.
“I assume that in the next month, something that shouldn’t happen has to develop quickly. They have to agree very quickly. If they don’t make a deal, then it will be a different story,” he said.
Referring to his meeting the previous night with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump added: “It was a very good meeting. He understands. But ultimately it’s up to me. If the deal is not fair and very good — and it will be — then I think they are in for a very difficult time down the road.”
Sharp Criticism of President Herzog
Immediately after addressing Iran, Trump shifted to Israeli domestic politics, sharply criticizing President Yitzhak Herzog for not granting Netanyahu a pardon in his ongoing criminal trial.
“Nobody saw it coming… But Bibi was a great prime minister during a war, he was very strong,” Trump said. “We worked very well with him. We had tremendous successes with Iran.”
Trump then directly attacked Herzog.
“You have a president who refuses to grant him a pardon,” he said. “I think a person should be ashamed of himself. A pardon for the trial that is being conducted by the president of Israel — the main authority he has is the authority to grant pardons. And he is not doing it. He said he gave it five different times, but he doesn’t want to do it because, I guess, he is losing his power.”
Escalating his tone, Trump added: “I think the people of Israel should really shame him. He’s shameful. It’s a shame that he doesn’t give it. But Bibi was an excellent prime minister during a war, and I was the best friend Israel ever had.”
President’s Office: No Decision Has Been Made
The President’s Residence responded with a formal statement emphasizing that no decision has yet been taken regarding any pardon request.
“For the sake of good order, as has been clarified repeatedly, the prime minister’s request is in accordance with the rules at the Ministry of Justice, for an opinion,” the statement said. “Only after the process is complete will the president of the state examine the request according to the law, the good of the state, and according to the dictates of his conscience — without any influence from external or internal pressures of one kind or another.”
The statement also expressed appreciation for Trump’s support of Israel.
“President Herzog appreciates President Trump for his significant contribution to the State of Israel and its security. Israel is a sovereign state governed by law. Contrary to the impression created by President Trump’s words, President Herzog has not yet made any decision on the matter.”
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