Trump’s Surprise Request During Speech in Israel

President Donald Trump went off script once more during his recent address to Israel’s parliament on Monday. He had visited Israel the day before, where he spoke to commemorate the peace agreement established between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by his administration.

During his speech, Trump candidly acknowledged that he deviated from his prepared remarks. He made a surprising request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, asking him to consider pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing serious legal issues, including bribery and fraud charges.

As Trump made this unexpected suggestion, he quipped, “Who the hell cares?” This sparked another standing ovation from members of Congress, many of whom are politically aligned with Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party.

Trump continued, saying, “Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, would you like to give it to me?” referring to the concept of forgiveness. Notably, he expressed admiration for Netanyahu, mentioning, “He was one of the greatest wartime presidents.” He added, “Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares?” which seemed to resonate with the audience.

Trump has previously shared his support for pardoning Netanyahu, who argues that he is the target of a politically motivated “witch hunt.” In a post on Truth Social back in June, he stated, “I can’t imagine a witch hunt like this for a man who has given so much.” He further insisted that Netanyahu deserves better treatment, urging that the trial against him should either be stopped or that a pardon be granted.

In his closing remarks, Trump emphasized the close relationship he perceives with Netanyahu, claiming, “There is probably no person that I know of who has been able to work more harmoniously with the president of the United States than Bibi Netanyahu.” He added, “It was the United States that saved Israel, and now it is the United States that will save Bibi Netanyahu. This travesty of ‘justice’ cannot be tolerated!”