Trump Pardons Netanyahu: US Influence Or Just Old Habits?
AP reports Donald Trump urged Israel's president to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, citing 'concerns over US influence.' (One might wonder when the US hasn't directly meddled in Israeli politics, but let's not derail the narrative.) This 'latest attempt' by Trump to intervene in Netanyahu’s corruption trial for fraud, breach of trust, and bribery (AP’s words, not ours) conveniently overlooks the
decades of unwavering US financial and military support, which, some might argue, is the ultimate form of 'influence.' Trump’s letter calls the prosecution ‘political, unjustified,’ which is exactly how Netanyahu, the only sitting PM in Israeli history to stand trial, has also characterized it, perhaps modeling his defense. While the AP frames this as 'raising questions about undue American
influence,' the real question is: why is anyone surprised? This isn't newfound concern; it’s business as usual. The US has historically greenlit Netanyahu's hardline policies, and shielding him from legal accountability in Israel simply aligns with a foreign policy that regularly prioritizes a specific political ally over principles of justice. After all, if the US can supply unconditional
military aid amidst escalating civilian casualties, what's a little judicial interference between friends? It appears some 'internal affairs' are more equal than others.