U.S. President Donald Trump has called on the Israeli leadership to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing charges of corruption and abuse of power. He made the statement on Monday during his address to the Knesset.
According to Israeli law, if Netanyahu is found guilty by the court, only President Isaac Herzog has the authority to grant him a pardon.
“My opinion is this: Mr. President, why not pardon him?! Pardon him. It would be the right decision. During wartime, he acted as a great leader. Cigars and champagne—come on, who even cares about such small things?!” Trump said.
Trump’s statement sparked major debate both in Israel and internationally. Netanyahu is the first sitting prime minister in Israel’s history to stand trial on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
The case against him was opened in 2019. According to investigators, he accepted expensive gifts from billionaire and film producer Arnon Milchan in exchange for political and business favors. In addition, Netanyahu allegedly granted regulatory benefits worth around €475,000 to the telecommunications company Bezeq in return for positive coverage of himself and his wife on the company-owned news website Walla.
Prosecutors also claim that Netanyahu had a similar arrangement with the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
The prime minister has denied all allegations, calling them “political pressure and a setup.” The trial is still ongoing, though Netanyahu has postponed several hearings citing government responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is also investigating Netanyahu for serious crimes. On November 21, 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
The indictment claims that Israeli authorities deliberately deprived Gaza’s civilian population of essential resources such as water, medicine, food, and electricity.
Despite the arrest warrant, Netanyahu visited Hungary in April 2025 — a move widely condemned as a violation of international law.
Donald Trump has long been one of Israel’s most vocal supporters. His administration provided open backing to Tel Aviv during its military operations in Gaza and its confrontation with Iran.
Moreover, after the ICC launched its investigation into Netanyahu, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Court — a move described globally as an unprecedented blow to international justice and human rights.
Thus, Trump’s latest remarks are seen not only as political protection for Netanyahu but also as a signal that could further intensify the U.S. position in the Middle East.
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