Trump urges Herzog to pardon Netanyahu in Knesset
During a speech to Israel’s Knesset on Monday, President Donald Trump departed from prepared remarks and publicly urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges. Trump praised Netanyahu’s wartime leadership and downplayed alleged illicit gifts, saying “Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares,” an unusual direct intervention in Israel’s judicial affairs that could affect Netanyahu’s political standing ahead of expected elections.
International
Politics
📌 Key Facts
- Event: Trump addressed the Knesset on Oct. 13, 2025 and urged a pardon for Netanyahu.
- Quote: “Why don't you give him a pardon?” and “Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about this?”
- Context: Netanyahu’s trial includes allegations of $200,000 in gifts and regulatory favors for positive coverage; the case has stretched four years.