Tel aviv: Israeli President Isaac Herzog is seeking clarifications from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over whether he incited US President Donald Trump to issue an 'insult' amid controversy over a pardon request, local media said Sunday. On Thursday, Trump criticized the Israeli president for refusing to pardon Netanyahu of his corruption charges, labeling the inaction as "shameful" following a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House.

According to Anadolu Agency, Herzog is inquiring if Netanyahu was behind the remarks, which have been described by officials as a significant affront to Israel's sovereign institutions. The daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Herzog is particularly concerned about whether Netanyahu encouraged Trump to make such statements, which could represent a 'red line.'

Herzog has reportedly received numerous inquiries from within both the US and Israel over the weekend, making it necessary to seek clarifications from Netanyahu. An official told Yedioth Ahronoth, "There is a difference between criticism and insult, and what we heard from Trump was an insult. Someone clearly stirred him up."

The controversy traces back to November when Trump sent a letter to Herzog requesting a pardon for Netanyahu, who is facing trial on corruption charges. Netanyahu formally requested a pardon on November 30 last year, seeking relief without admitting guilt or withdrawing from public life.

Netanyahu has consistently denied all accusations since the trial began. However, Israeli law stipulates that a presidential pardon can only be granted following an admission of guilt. Beyond the domestic proceedings, Netanyahu is also under international legal scrutiny. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where more than 72,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 171,000 others injured since October 2023.