Why Donald Trump urging Israel’s president to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu is sparking backlash

Donald Trump has faced backlash after he publicly asked the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, to pardon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US president, 79, issued an hour-long speech at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem today (13 October) to celebrate the US-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

For those not up to speed, Hamas has released all 20 remaining living hostages who were held in Gaza as part of a ceasefire, pausing two years of war that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

While major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners has raised hopes that it marks the end of the deadliest war ever between Israel and the militant group.

The ceasefire is also expected to be accompanied by a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, parts of which are experiencing famine.

Today, Trump addressed the Knesset, telling the room: "Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change.

"Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms."

Israeli politicians chanted Trump’s name and gave him standing ovation after standing ovation throughout the speech, in which he also asked for Netanyahu to be pardoned.

What is Netanyahu accused of?

The Israeli prime minister was indicted of fraud, corruption and bribery in 2019 and, as per MailOnline, if found guilty, he could face up to a decade behind bars.

He is accused of receiving almost 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from businessmen, including champagne and cigars.

The trial began in 2020 but there is yet to be a ruling as it has been interrupted frequently during two years of 'war and Middle East upheaval', reports Reuters.

Netanyahu has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

Trump asked Israel's president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Pool/Getty Images)

What did Trump say about Netanyahu?

Addressing the room during his speech, Trump asked Herzog: "Hey, I have an idea. Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon?"

The room erupted into cheers and chants, which went on for a good few minutes before Trump continued speaking.

He said: "By the way, that was not in the speech, as you probably know. But I happen to like this gentleman right over here.

“It just seems to make so much sense. You know whether we like it or not, this has been one of the greatest wartime [leaders]."

The Republican leader then added: "And cigars and some champagne - who the hell cares?"

"Alright, enough controversy for the day, I don't think it's that controversial," he then told Netanyahu. "You are a very popular man, you know why? Because you know how to win."

It came during his speech at the Knesset today (Pool/Getty Images)

However, people have understandably not taken too well to Trump requesting Netanyahu's pardon without a trial.

Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: "How about NO."

A second added: "Wild timeline we're living in right now."

A third pointed out: "I don't think a pardon by the Israeli president is even possible according to the Israeli law in the current phase of the endless Netanyahu trial."

Meanwhile, one user questioned: "Is Trump the ultimate supreme leader of Israel (another sovereign State, despite its situation with Palestine) or why is he making that request?"

Another person raged: "Is this a joke? Is this some kind of a comedy show?"

It's not the first time Trump has called for Israel to 'pardon' Netanyahu, claiming in a Truth Social post in June that his trial should be 'cancelled immediately'.