Trump Asks Israel to Forgive Netanyahu

Darwin, 14 October- 

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing corruption charges in Israel.

Speaking before the Knesset in Jerusalem on Monday, Trump urged Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, saying, “I have an idea—Mr. President, why don’t you pardon him? Who really cares about cigars and champagne?”

Netanyahu has been on trial since 2020 on charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. He has consistently denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. The proceedings have faced multiple delays due to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and broader instability in the Middle East.

The most prominent of the three cases filed against Netanyahu in 2019 involves accusations that he accepted gifts—worth about $210,000, including cigars and bottles of champagne—from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.

While the Israeli presidency is largely ceremonial, the president holds the constitutional power to grant pardons in special circumstances.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed debate in Israel about the fairness of Netanyahu’s long-running trial. In June, Trump had already described the proceedings as a case of “political persecution” by left-wing opponents seeking to oust a democratically elected conservative leader.

The speech was also marked by tension inside the Knesset, with brief disruptions reported as Trump addressed Israeli lawmakers. His visit follows his statement on Sunday declaring that the Gaza war has officially ended, ahead of his Middle East tour.