Trump urges Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu

In his speech at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, US President Donald Trump called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption.

In his speech that lasted more than an hour, Trump said:

“Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you pardon him? Cigars and some champagne; who cares?” It refers to accusations of fraud, bribery and breach of trust, which Netanyahu denies.

Netanyahu was indicted in three cases in 2019; one of which was receiving gifts from businessmen totaling approximately 700,000 shekels (US$327,000), including champagne and cigars.

The President of Israel has a largely ceremonial role, but he also has the authority to pardon a convicted criminal if unusual circumstances arise.

But there has been no verdict in Netanyahu’s long-running case, which began in 2020 and was frequently interrupted during two years of war and Middle East turmoil. He pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

Trump called for Netanyahu’s trial to be canceled in June. Netanyahu cast his legal ordeal as a left-wing witch hunt aimed at overthrowing a right-wing elected leader.