A senior Likud minister claimed that President Donald Trump may impose sanctions on Israeli judicial officials if they refuse to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing criminal trial.
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman made the explosive statement during an interview with i24 News on Sunday, suggesting that Trump could take unprecedented measures to ensure Netanyahu’s trial concludes without a conviction or plea deal.
“President Trump said [Netanyahu should be pardoned] in a very clear way, I think, and he expressed his opinion,” Silman said, referencing Trump’s seemingly off-the-cuff remark to President Isaac Herzog during his October address to the Knesset.
“And I think now, President Herzog needs to rise to the occasion and make a decision for the good of the security of Israel. And if President Herzog doesn’t know how to act for the benefit of Israel and for the nation, for brotherhood and unity, I think that, yes, President Trump may take additional steps and will be forced to intervene,” she continued.
Silman added that potential consequences imposed by Trump, should a pardon not be granted, “may include sanctions and other things on senior officials in the judicial system.”
On Sunday, Netanyahu’s attorneys sent a formal letter to Herzog requesting that he grant the prime minister a pardon. Notably, the request did not include any admission of guilt — which some legal experts say is required for a pardon to be granted, though the matter remains disputed.
In a video statement released the same day, Netanyahu told the public he had submitted the request for the good of the country, while reiterating that he is the victim of unfair prosecution by a weaponized justice system.
Herzog’s office acknowledged receipt of the letter and said it is currently reviewing the request.
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