Trump urges pardon for Netanyahu during Gaza address to Knesset
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Trump and Netanyahu prior to Trump's address to the Knesset. Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/Getty Images
During his address to the Israeli parliament on Monday, President Trump went off script and urged President Issac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is standing trial on three corruption charges.
Why it matters: It's a stunning intervention in Israel's domestic politics and judicial system, made from the Knesset podium. Trump has weighed in on Netanyahu's trial before, but in his speech he went further than ever before to boost his ally's domestic political standing.
What he's saying: "I have an idea Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon?"
- "Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about this?" Trump said, referring to alleged illicit gifts mentioned in one of the charges.
- Trump praised Netanyahu's leadership during the last two years of war. "You are very popular because you know how to win," he said.
Reality check: Netanyahu is not very popular, according to the polls, though the Gaza deal and the release of the hostages have given him a boost.
- Majorities in several polls in recent months have said they want Netanyahu to step down for his role in the security failures that allowed the Oct. 7 attacks to happen.
Flashback: After the 12-day war with Iran in June, Trump published several posts on Truth Social calling for the cancellation of Netanyahu's trial, and comparing it to the charges Trump himself faced.
- Netanyahu is standing trial for charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases.
- He's accused of accepting more than $200,000 in gifts from wealthy businessmen, and of granting regulatory benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars to a telecom tycoon in exchange for favorable news coverage.
- The trial has stretched on for four years, in part due to Netanyahu's repeated legal delay tactics. The former head of Israel's domestic security agency has accused the prime minister of trying to use executive powers to stall the case.
What to watch: Trump's speech suggests he could endorse Netanyahu during the election that's expected to take place in the coming year.
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