Trump cheered in Israel parliament as he demands Netanyahu pardon

by · Mail Online

Donald Trump stunned the Israeli parliament after demanding the Israeli president pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for corruption charges.

Netanyahu’s political career has been plagued ever since he was indicted in 2019 for fraud, corruption and bribery charges. If found guilty, the Israeli prime minister could face up to a decade behind bars.

Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were bribed with lavish gifts, such as champagne and cigars, from Australian billionaire James Packer. In exchange, Netanyahu is accused of helping the billionaire's media interests while serving as the minister of communications.

Trump addressed these concerns while speaking in the Knesset on Monday, following the release of the last remaining hostages in Gaza.

‘I have an idea, why don’t you give Netanyahu a pardon?' Trump told Israel President Isaac Herzog. Trump goes on to refer to Netanyahu ‘one of the great wartime presidents.’

Trump then cheekily references the apparent gifts to Netanyahu by stating, ‘Cigars and champagne? Who the hell cares about it!?’

The joke caused the parliament to erupt with laughter and cheers as Trump continued with his remarks on the topic.

‘Alright enough controversy for the day. Actually, I don’t think it’s very controversial,’ Trump added before addressing Netanyahu. ‘You’re a very popular man. You know? Because you know how to win.’

Trump demanded Netanyahu received a pardon for the corruption charges after the remaining Israeli hostages were released
Sarah Netanyahu watches her husband, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, light a cigar at their home in Jerusalem in 1997
Trump dismissed the charges against bribery charges against Netanyahu by stating, 'who the hell cares?!'
The president received a standing ovation during his address in the Knesset

The Knesset then erupted into applause for Netanyahu with some of his supporters, chanting, ‘Bibi! Bibi! Bibi!'

The Israeli prosecutors claim that the cigars and champagne given to Netanyahu by his billionaire friend was worth $195,000. The prime minister's wife also allegedly received jewelry worth $3,100 as part of the bribe. 

The corruption trial is currently on-going and in the cross-examination phase as the Defense presents their argument. 

The trial has been delayed on numerous occasions over the last two years since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. 

Upon Trump's arrival to Israel on Monday morning, the last remaining living hostages were released from Hamas captivity. 

In exchange, Israel released 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including approximately 250 Hamas militants. 

Later today, Trump will meet with the top Middle Eastern leaders in Egypt to celebrate the end of the two-year war between Israel and Hamas

As part of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump, the IDF has begun withdrawing from the Gaza region.   

Trump attend later today a peace ceremony in Egypt with Middle Eastern leaders to commiserate the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.