President Donald Trump called on Israel’s president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on corruption charges during a Monday speech to the Knesset hailing the recent Gaza ceasefire.
Trump’s address came on the heels of the historic Gaza ceasefire becoming a reality, with all 20 remaining hostages freed overnight and the terms of the agreement beginning to take effect. During the speech, Trump urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon the prime minister on 2019 charges related to bribery and fraud, calling Netanyahu one of the “greatest wartime presidents” and a “good man” alongside Herzog.
“Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don’t you give him a pardon,” Trump said, drawing a strong reaction from the chamber. After a pause, he added, “Give him a pardon, come on.” (RELATED: Netanyahu Government Votes To Fire Prosecutor Overseeing His Corruption Trial)
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“You know, whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents,” Trump said before dismissing the case against Netanyahu as inconsequential. “Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?”
Trump characterized Netanyahu’s corruption trial as a “witch hunt” in June, saying that the prime minister’s prosecution was a “politically motivated case.” Netanyahu fired the prosecutor in charge of his corruption trial in August.
The prosecution alleged that Netanyahu traded political favors for lavish gifts from billionaires and cut backroom deals with media outlets in exchange for favorable coverage.
Trump was also heckled by left-wing Knesset members Aymen Odeh and Ofer Cassif, who demanded recognition of Palestine in addition to the ceasefire. The members were swiftly escorted from the chamber by security.
Trump pointed out that his statement urging a pardon was not originally part of his prepared speech.
“By the way, that was not in the speech, as you probably know,” Trump said about his remarks. “But I happen to like this gentleman right over here, and it just seems to make so much sense. You know, whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime presidents.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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