This isn’t the first time Trump has called for Netanyahu to be pardoned ahead of a trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including receiving extravagant gifts, among them cigars and Champagne.Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/Getty Images

Cigars and Champagne? Pfft! Trump’s call to pardon Netanyahu stuns Israel – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

U.S. President Donald Trump managed to trigger controversy in Israel, even on a celebratory occasion marking the return of hostages from Gaza and the end of a two-year war.

On a day of extraordinary moments, one of the most jaw-dropping saw Trump — during his hour-long address to the Knesset in Jerusalem — turning to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to advocate he pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on long-standing fraud and bribery charges.

“Give him a pardon, come on,” Trump said, flashing a grin and pointing to Netanyahu, who he dubbed “one of the greatest” wartime leaders.