Trump Asks For Netanyahu Pardon, Forgets US Legal System Exists
Donald Trump, fresh off his own legal entanglements—including 34 felony convictions in New York—is reportedly campaigning for a pardon for Benjamin Netanyahu, currently facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in Israel. This unsolicited intervention, according to the Financial Times, involves a direct letter to Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog. (Because who better to advise on legal
ethics than someone just found guilty on 34 counts?) This isn't just about two men's legal woes; it's a stark reminder of the cozy, bipartisan relationship between certain US politicians and Israeli leadership, often facilitated by organizations like AIPAC. While no direct AIPAC donation data links Trump to Netanyahu's specific legal battles, the consistent pattern of US political interventions on
behalf of Israeli leaders—regardless of their legal standings—speaks volumes. One might wonder if similar diplomatic urgency is ever extended for, say, Palestinian civilians facing collective punishment, rather than just heads of state facing corruption charges.