Netanyahu Says He’ll Consider Trump’s Pardon Request, Dismisses Arrest Threats

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is open to considering a pardon if offered, in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent request to Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Speaking on “The Erin Molan Show” podcast, Netanyahu called Trump’s appeal “forthright” and labeled his ongoing corruption trial “absurd.”

“I’ll think about it, but I’m very grateful to President Trump for being so forthright. He just cuts to the chase,” Netanyahu said. “I’ve spent three days a week running a war and now seeking to expand peace, while also in court talking about why my son received a Bugs Bunny doll when he was five. That’s a bribe? It’s ridiculous.”

Netanyahu echoed Trump’s characterization of the legal proceedings as a “politicized and unjust witch hunt” and added, “My time should be spent on the things that will determine Israel’s future.”

Trump, in a letter to Herzog, urged a full pardon for Netanyahu, praising his wartime leadership and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu responded warmly, calling Trump “the best thing to happen to Israel since maybe Cyrus,” referencing the Persian king who facilitated the Jewish return to Zion.

Addressing domestic and international criticism, Netanyahu dismissed recent threats by New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who suggested he would seek Netanyahu’s arrest. “I’m not afraid,” he said. “It’s good to be a young leader, but it’s not good to be a young, uneducated leader. I think he should brush up on economics, antisemitism, and who the bad guys are.”

On broader foreign policy, Netanyahu questioned the enthusiasm surrounding Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s expected visit to Washington. “The issue is not how he plays basketball, but what he does on the ground,” he said. “Does Syria become a peaceful country? Does he weed out the jihadists in his military?”

He also expressed strong opposition to any international control over Gaza’s security. “Israel will retain control of Gaza’s security. We won’t relinquish our security to anyone else,” Netanyahu insisted, adding that Gaza must remain demilitarized in line with Trump’s peace framework.

Netanyahu reiterated his long-standing criticism of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. “The Palestinian leader, Abbas, pays terrorists to kill Jews. The more Jews they kill, the more they get paid,” he said. “To embrace him as a prince of peace is the opposite of reality.”

He contrasted the pro-Israel and anti-Israel protests seen globally: “When you see pro-Israel demonstrations, you see both the Israeli and American flags. That’s the difference. President Macron should be with those who support France.”

Turning to Iran, Netanyahu said Israel remains vigilant. “They’ll try to recover, but we’re following it closely, alongside our American friends,” he said, referencing the IDF’s successful strikes in July. He lamented the Iranian regime’s misplaced priorities, saying, “The regime isn’t interested in the people. They put billions into terror but nothing into fixing the water crisis or improving the Iranian economy.”

Netanyahu concluded the interview by signaling his intention to run for re-election. “The people will decide, not the pundits or the press. If the people give me the mandate, I’ll continue. I believe we’re on the right path, and we’ll keep moving forward.”

For Netanyahu, the message is clear: defend Israel, speak the truth, and let the people decide.

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