This one does not involve Trump, at least not directly. Rather I am talking about Benjamin Netanyahu demanding a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog. (It should be noted that the Israeli Presidency is a largely ceremonial position)
Trump is lobbying for Netanyahu's pardon, but I do not think that will have much impact.
More importantly Netanyahu is guilty as hell:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel asked its president on Sunday to pardon him in his long-running corruption trial, a request that the president called “extraordinary” and that critics said would run counter to the rule of law.
Mr. Netanyahu’s unusual pre-emptive appeal to President Isaac Herzog, while his trial is still underway, came about two weeks after President Trump sent a letter to Mr. Herzog urging him to pardon the Israeli prime minister.
A statement by the Israeli president’s office said the request would have “significant implications,” and that he would “responsibly and sincerely consider” it after seeking expert opinions.
I really hope that this means, "F^%$ No!" from Herzog, but trying to figure out what an Israeli politician will do is well beyond my meager abilities to predict what people will do.
As to the specifics of the charges, which do not include his having Israeli taxpayers foot a $2,700.00 a year for ice cream, there are 3 basic charges:
- Pressuring ministries and the US government to benefit rich Israelis in exchange for $300,000.00 in personal gifts.
- Discussing a quid pro quo with a media mogul in where he would put forward legislation disfavoring a rival media conglomerate for favorable coverage.
- Executing a quid pro quo with another media mogul to not put forward legislation disfavoring him in exchange for favorable coverage.
Pardoning Netanyahu will have a corrosive effect on Israeli politics, and Israeli politics is not, and has never been, particularly healthy to begin with.
0 comments :
Post a Comment