Trump calls on Israel’s president to grant Netanyahu a pardon

U.S. President Donald Trump made a controversial suggestion regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a speech at the Knesset on October 13, 2025. He urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Netanyahu, who is currently facing a corruption trial in Israel.
Trump’s Call for a Pardon
During a speech that lasted over an hour, Trump proposed the idea of a presidential pardon, humorously mentioning “cigars and some champagne.” This remark came amid serious allegations against Netanyahu, including charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust, which he has consistently denied.
Details of Netanyahu’s Legal Troubles
- Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on multiple charges.
- One charge involves receiving approximately 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) in gifts from business associates.
- His trial commenced in 2020 but has faced numerous interruptions due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
- Netanyahu maintains that he is a victim of a politically motivated campaign by the left to undermine his leadership.
While the President of Israel holds a ceremonial position, he has the authority to grant pardons under special circumstances. However, the legal proceedings against Netanyahu have yet to reach a conclusion, with no verdicts rendered so far.
Response to Trump’s Remarks
Trump’s call for a pardon is not unprecedented. Earlier in June, he expressed a desire to cancel Netanyahu’s trial altogether. Netanyahu’s supporters view the allegations as a deliberate effort by opposition factions to remove him from power.
This recent appeal from Trump adds another layer to the already volatile political landscape in Israel, where Netanyahu’s leadership is both celebrated and challenged.