Netanyahu's Court Appearance Following Pardon Request Supported by Trump Sparks Political Division in Israel

Dec 01, 2025 08:28 pm CST

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a court appearance following his controversial presidential pardon request in his corruption trial, backed by Donald Trump. Opposition leaders have contested the request, with former PM Naftali Bennett offering conditional support if Netanyahu leaves politics. The unprecedented mid-trial pardon request has intensified political tensions as Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust while his coalition faces declining poll numbers.