Jerusalem/Washington, October 14: Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines once again after making an unexpected appeal for a general amnesty for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling the corruption charges against him “purely political.” Trump’s remarks came during an address to the Israeli Knesset (Parliament), where he deviated from his prepared speech to issue the surprising statement.
During his address, Trump said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has been a friend and a strong leader for Israel. The cases against him are political — he deserves a general amnesty.” The declaration drew mixed reactions from Israeli lawmakers, some of whom applauded, while others appeared visibly stunned by the unexpected intervention.
In a separate part of his remarks, Trump recounted his past dealings with Netanyahu during his presidency, recalling the Israeli leader’s persistent requests for advanced military equipment. “Netanyahu used to ask me for weapons I’d never even heard of,” Trump said, sparking both laughter and astonishment in the chamber. “He would say, ‘We need this for Israel’s defense,’ and I would ask my generals if such a weapon even existed.”
Observers noted that Trump’s comment, while humorous in tone, reflected the intensity of U.S.-Israel defense cooperation during his tenure. Under Trump’s administration, Washington approved several major defense deals with Israel, including the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets, missile defense systems, and precision-guided munitions.
Trump’s call for amnesty, however, was not part of his official script and has sparked debate among political analysts and legal experts in Israel. Netanyahu is currently facing multiple corruption trials on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — allegations he has repeatedly denied, claiming they are part of a political conspiracy to remove him from office.
Legal commentators in Israel described Trump’s comments as “unprecedented interference” in an ongoing judicial process, noting that no foreign leader — current or former — has ever publicly suggested amnesty for an Israeli prime minister facing active corruption charges.
Trump, who has announced his candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, also used his speech to emphasize his enduring commitment to Israel’s security and his pride in having facilitated the Abraham Accords — the landmark peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
Political observers say Trump’s comments highlight his continued attempt to strengthen his image among pro-Israel voters in the United States while simultaneously portraying himself as a decisive world leader unafraid of breaking political conventions.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office has not officially commented on Trump’s remarks, though sources close to the Israeli premier said he was “surprised but appreciative” of the gesture. Opposition figures in Israel, however, criticized Trump’s statement, saying it undermines the independence of the judiciary and politicizes legal accountability.
