U.S. President Trump said today (Eastern Time on the 5th) that Israeli President Herzog must "today" pardon Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Trump said he hopes Netanyahu "focuses on the war, not court cases." It is reported that Trump has suspended all diplomatic meetings with Herzog until Netanyahu receives a formal pardon.

This statement has been made more than once, and Herzog has refused each time.

This incident marks an unprecedented direct intervention by the U.S. government in Israeli internal affairs. Not only did Trump publicly demand that the Israeli president use his pardon power, but he also attached personal attacks and threats of diplomatic sanctions, touching on the bottom line of Israel's judicial independence as a sovereign state.

According to media such as The Times of Israel, Trump's demands were very specific and firm:

Ordering Israeli President Herzog to "today" pardon the Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Calling Herzog "a disgrace," and claiming that he has suspended all diplomatic meetings with him until Netanyahu is pardoned.

Claiming this move is to let Netanyahu "focus on the war, not court cases," and concentrate on dealing with the conflict with Iran.

Israel's response:

Emphasizing that Israel is a "sovereign state that upholds the rule of law."

Stressing that Herzog will make decisions "in accordance with the law, according to national interests and conscience," "unaffected by any external or internal pressure."

Netanyahu is currently facing trial for charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. Therefore, this matter not only concerns U.S.-Israel relations, but also directly relates to the balance between Israel's domestic rule of law and wartime politics.

Israel is a sovereign state under the rule of law, and Trump's request is a direct pardon that bypasses judicial proceedings, and it comes with an ultimatum. This will be widely interpreted as a foreign leader trying to decide Israel's internal legal procedures. In this context, Herzog will not only not yield, but may become even more determined.

Trump has done many such counterproductive things.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858873250945100/

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