Isaac Herzog

Following Benjamin Netanyahu's formal pardon request in his corruption trial in late 2025, Herzog became the focus of a constitutional and political controversy. Donald Trump repeatedly and publicly pressed him to grant an immediate pardon, even attacking him personally. Herzog insisted on following legal procedures and, in spring 2026, instead encouraged the parties to seek a judicial agreement.

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Personally implicated

Following the 7 October 2023 attack, Herzog declared that "an entire nation" in Gaza bore responsibility and challenged the idea that civilians could be considered entirely uninvolved. His remarks were subsequently cited in international legal debate over genocidal intent and in documents relating to South Africa's proceedings before the International Court of Justice.

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Before and during Herzog's visit to the United Kingdom in September 2025, pro-Palestinian groups and legal experts called on British authorities to investigate or arrest him in connection with his statements and the war in Gaza. The initiative fuelled diplomatic controversy over universal jurisdiction and head-of-state immunity.

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Personally implicated

During his visit to London in September 2025, Herzog and Prime Minister Keir Starmer had tense exchanges over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the classification of famine, the Israeli attack in Qatar and Britain's proposed recognition of a Palestinian state. Herzog disputed several accusations against Israel and defended his country's conduct.

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During the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2024, criminal complaints were filed in Switzerland against Herzog in connection with the war in Gaza and his public statements. The Swiss federal prosecutor's office confirmed the complaints and indicated that they would be examined, particularly with regard to immunity.

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Personally implicated

During the judicial reform crisis, Herzog warned that the government's plan threatened democratic checks and balances and presented a "people's framework" in March 2023 as a proposed compromise. The coalition rejected it almost immediately as unacceptable, while the opposition and parts of civil society considered presidential intervention necessary.

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Police and prosecutors examined suspicions concerning the financing of Isaac Herzog's campaign during the 2013 Labour leadership primary, including expenditure or contributions that may not have been properly declared. The Attorney General ultimately closed the case against Herzog in January 2017 for insufficient evidence.

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Personally implicated