Tel Aviv, Oct 13, (dpa/GNA) – US President Donald Trump, called for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his speech in the Israeli parliament on Monday.
Netanyahu has been on trial for several years on corruption charges.
Speaking before lawmakers, Trump said he considered both Netanyahu and Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, to be “good men,” before turning to Herzog and saying, “I have an idea, why don’t you give Netanyahu a pardon?”
Trump said Netanyahu had proven to be one of the best “wartime” leaders. Referring to allegations of corruption and alleged gifts of cigars and champagne, the US president asked: “Who the hell cares?”
In Israel, the idea of granting Netanyahu a pardon has long been the subject of public debate, amid deep political divisions.
Herzog has previously stated that no one is above the law, though he reserves the right to act according to his conscience on the matter.
Netanyahu’s trial has been going on for more than five years. He stands accused of accepting luxury gifts, jewellery, cigars and pink champagne, worth roughly €174,000 ($201,300) from billionaire associates.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied all charges, calling the case a “witch hunt.”
GNA