Alpha News

Trump to Netanyahu: 'Herzog Will Grant You Clemency'

Published December 29, 2025, 20:14

US President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, expressing hope for the swift commencement of the second phase of the peace plan for Gaza. Trump reiterated his stance that Hamas must disarm, despite the Palestinian organization's opposing statement. He also highlighted the efforts being made to return the remains of the last hostage and predicted the early start of Gaza's reconstruction. During the meeting, Trump mentioned a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who allegedly told him that a clemency grant to Netanyahu was “imminent.” Trump justified the potential clemency, describing Netanyahu as a “war hero.” However, Herzog's office denied any recent conversation with Trump regarding Netanyahu's clemency request, which was submitted several weeks prior. This meeting marks the fifth between the two leaders in the US since Trump's return to the White House. The visit by Netanyahu comes at a critical time, as efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East continue and the situation in Gaza remains unstable. The potential granting of clemency to Netanyahu, if it occurs, adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relations.