Trump urges Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu — could it really happen?

During an address to Israel’s Parliament, Donald Trump surprised lawmakers by urging President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been on trial since 2020 over charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Source The New York Times

Netanyahu stands accused of accepting luxury gifts — including cigars, champagne, and jewelry — and of using his influence to secure favorable media coverage. He denies all allegations, claiming the case is politically motivated. Legal experts in Israel, however, doubt whether a pardon could be granted before a conviction.

Trump, drawing parallels between Netanyahu’s trial and his own legal troubles in the U.S., called the proceedings “absurd.” His call for clemency came just days after he helped mediate a hostage release deal with Hamas, bolstering his regional influence. Critics warn that such a move could erode Israel’s rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for future corruption cases.