Netanyahu asks Trump for help obtaining pardon once more

Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out again to former U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting assistance in obtaining a pardon amid his ongoing criminal cases. Reports indicate that on Monday, the Israeli Prime Minister engaged in an extensive phone call with Trump, urging him to increase pressure on Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

On Sunday, Netanyahu officially petitioned Herzog to dismiss the charges, following a prior written appeal from Trump last month. During a speech to the Knesset in October, Trump had also advocated for halting Netanyahus legal proceedings, receiving strong applause.

Netanyahu is currently facing allegations including breach of trust, bribery, and fraud, all of which he denies. The legal process has been ongoing for more than five years. As president, Herzog has the authority to grant pardons, though it remains uncertain if he can stop an active trial or extend clemency to someone not yet convicted.

Speculation in Israel continues regarding potential conditions Herzog might set for ending the trial, with some suggesting that Netanyahu might have to step away from politicsa step he is unlikely to take. Herzog has stated he will seek legal opinions before making any decisions, a procedure expected to take around two months.

According to Axios, Netanyahu pressed Trump to take additional action, but Trump did not commit to further involvement, stating he believes a pardon will eventually be granted. A U.S. official noted that Trump had already done all he could.

During the call, Trump reportedly criticized Netanyahus approach to Gaza, urging stronger cooperation in implementing the peace agreement. The U.S. has pushed Israel to reach an agreement with Hamas regarding militants near the ceasefire line, though Israel has reportedly targeted some who emerged above ground after firing on Israeli troops.

Netanyahu defended the military actions, describing the militants as armed and dangerous. Trump also advised restraint in Syria after an Israeli bombing killed 13 people, following an attack on Israeli forces, while expressing support for Syrias new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating he is working to improve conditions in Syria.

Israel announced it would begin allowing some Palestinians to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt in the coming days, coordinating with Egypt and under EU supervision. Egypt, however, denied agreeing to the plan, citing the ceasefire terms requiring open borders in both directions. The crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, previously serving as a critical exit for Palestinians and a point for humanitarian aid.

More than 16,500 severely injured or ill Palestinians await evacuation for treatment abroad. Only 235 patients, mostly children, have left Gaza since the ceasefire began. Israel has maintained the border closure until Hamas fulfills its commitments, including the return of the last two hostages remains, one of which was reportedly received recently, though the identity remains uncertain.

Author: Logan Reeves