In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump, during his address to Israel’s parliament (the Knesset) in Jerusalem on Monday, publicly called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption.
Departing from his prepared remarks, Trump said:
“Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon? Cigars and some champagne — who the hell cares?”
The remark alluded to one of the three corruption cases against Netanyahu, which accuses him and his wife of accepting luxury gifts — including cigars and champagne worth nearly 700,000 shekels (about $210,000) — from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.
While the Israeli president has the authority to grant pardons, the office is traditionally ceremonial. Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust — allegations he firmly denies, describing them as part of a “left-wing witch-hunt” aimed at removing him from power.
The trial, which began in 2020, has been repeatedly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing regional conflicts in the Middle East.
Trump’s call for clemency came as part of his visit to celebrate the recently brokered U.S.-led Gaza peace deal and the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. His comments mirrored those he made in June, when he suggested that Netanyahu’s trial should be scrapped entirely.
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