Legal Reporter Slams President Herzog Over Pardons, Cites Netanyahu

Legal affairs reporter Guy Peleg has sharply criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog's decision to grant a pardon to former soldier Elor Azaria. Herzog announced on Saturday that he had signed off on shortening the criminal record erasure period for Azaria, following a review of the case's circumstances. The move, made during the Jewish High Holy Days period, has sparked significant public debate.

Peleg took to social media platform X to voice his strong disapproval, stating, "You need to understand. Herzog is working full-time for Bibi." This is not the first time Peleg has publicly criticized President Herzog regarding matters involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In April, Peleg had also criticized Herzog's handling of a pardon request submitted by Netanyahu himself. At that time, the Justice Ministry's pardons department had informed Herzog that Netanyahu did not meet the preliminary requirements for a pardon. The department warned that granting a pardon under those circumstances, despite their strong reservations, would deepen societal divisions and undermine democratic principles in Israel.

Peleg recounted that senior legal professionals he had spoken with believed Herzog should have rejected Netanyahu's pardon request outright. Peleg characterized the President's conduct as "pathetic, cowardly, and embarrassing," expressing a "heavy concern" that he did not wish to elaborate on.