Overview

• Speaking to the Knesset on October 13, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly asked President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Trump said the plea was not in his prepared remarks and explained it as a personal gesture because he likes Netanyahu.
• He downplayed the luxury-gifts allegation, joking about “cigars and champagne,” in reference to Case 1000 involving items prosecutors value at over $260,000 from businessman Arnon Milchan.
• Netanyahu faces three cases—1000, 2000 and 4000—alleging fraud, breach of trust and bribery, and he rejects the charges as politically motivated.
• Herzog has said he would consider a pardon if formally requested, and court scheduling is set to intensify with Netanyahu expected to testify three times a week starting in November.