Trump Urges Pardon for Netanyahu in Knesset Speech

Even during the solemn event dedicated to the return of captives from Gaza and the end of the two-year war, US President Donald Trump managed to provoke a new wave of heated debates in Israel. His intervention in the country's internal affairs was so unexpected and direct that it could not go unnoticed.

At the center of the events was Trump's one-hour speech at the Knesset in Jerusalem. During his speech, Trump unexpectedly turned to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and made a direct appeal in defense of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Pardon him, come on," Trump said with a smile, pointing to Netanyahu, whom he called one of the "greatest" military leaders of all time. Then, trying to downplay the seriousness of the accusations, he added: "Cigars and champagne? To hell with it, who cares about that anyway."

As Politico notes, these remarks vividly highlighted Trump's willingness to interfere in Israel's internal affairs, and to do so in his characteristic provocative and undiplomatic way to help his ally.

This is not the first time Trump has called for a pardon for Netanyahu. The Prime Minister was indicted back in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The court case has been repeatedly postponed due to Netanyahu's legal maneuvers, as well as security considerations during the war in Gaza.

Throughout this time, Netanyahu has stubbornly insisted on his innocence, stating that the cases against him are part of an organized "leftist conspiracy" aimed at overthrowing a democratically elected right-wing leader. It is noteworthy that Trump uses the exact same argument in relation to the numerous court cases brought against him. Both leaders present themselves as victims of a political "witch hunt," which, it seems, further strengthens the close personal and political bond between them.