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U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to receive a presidential pardon over his ongoing corruption trial, criticizing Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not taking action. Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, Trump described Netanyahu as a “great wartime prime minister” and said Herzog should feel “ashamed” for failing to grant clemency. He added that the Israeli public should pressure the president to issue a pardon.
Trump’s comments come shortly after Netanyahu met with him in Washington on Wednesday. The meeting marked the seventh time the two leaders have met since Trump returned to office last year. Discussions reportedly focused on key geopolitical issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile development, underscoring the close political and strategic ties between the United States and Israel.
Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges while in office. He was indicted in 2019 on allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The long-running legal proceedings have drawn intense political debate within Israel and internationally. Netanyahu has consistently denied all charges, maintaining that the case against him is politically motivated.
Trump has publicly advocated for Netanyahu’s pardon on several occasions. In late December, he claimed that President Herzog had indicated a pardon was forthcoming. However, Herzog’s office quickly rejected that assertion. Under Israeli law, the president has the authority to pardon convicted individuals. Legal experts note, however, that there is no precedent for granting a pardon while a trial is still underway.
The controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s corruption charges continues to shape Israeli politics, while Trump’s statements add an international dimension to an already sensitive legal and diplomatic issue.
