Donald Trump called for a full pardon for former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a speech Saturday, a move likely to further complicate the already fraught political landscape in Israel and draw criticism from those who view it as interference in another country’s judicial process. The former U.S. president framed the potential pardon as a gesture of gratitude for Netanyahu’s long-standing support of Israel and his willingness to pursue peace agreements brokered by the Trump administration.
The call for clemency comes as Netanyahu faces ongoing corruption charges and a deeply divided Israeli electorate. A pardon could possibly allow him to return to political life without the constraints of legal proceedings, but would also inflame accusations of political interference and undermine the rule of law. The implications extend beyond Israel, potentially impacting U.S. relations with the current Israeli government and broader regional stability.
Trump, speaking at a rally, reportedly stated that Netanyahu “was treated very unfairly” and deserves a ”full and complete pardon.” He cited the Abraham Accords – the normalization agreements between israel and several Arab nations facilitated by his administration – as evidence of Netanyahu’s commitment to peace and a justification for the pardon.
The former president also reiterated his belief that the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the release of hostages, would not have been possible without the pressure he exerted on iran through military actions and sanctions during his presidency. he claimed that weakening Iran compelled Hamas to become more amenable to compromise.
Netanyahu is currently on trial on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated. the trial is ongoing, and a verdict is not expected for some time. The possibility of a pardon has been a recurring topic in Israeli politics, with supporters arguing it would allow the country to move forward and opponents warning it would set a hazardous precedent. (dpa, jmi)
