During a Knesset address marking Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas, Donald Trump called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing cheers from pro-Netanyahu lawmakers.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday called on Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an address to the Knesset.
“Hey, I have an idea Mr President: Why don’t you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon, come on,” Trump said, pointing at Netanyahu as lawmakers cheered and chanted, “Bibi! Bibi!” He added, “By the way, that was not in the speech, you probably know,” before describing Netanyahu as “one of the greatest” wartime leaders and remarking, “And cigars and Champagne, who the hell cares?”
Trump’s comments came as he marked the success of the first phase of his peace plan, which secured a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the release of all 20 remaining hostages. Under the deal, Israel freed over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and agreed to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Netanyahu, who faces ongoing corruption charges including bribery and fraud, denies any wrongdoing.
Trump hailed the truce as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” declaring that “the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace.”