Israeli politics
Netanyahu Rejects Political Retirement Despite Potential Presidential Pardon in Corruption Case
Dec 08, 2025 02:48 am CST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated he will not leave politics even if granted a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial. Despite facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Netanyahu maintains his innocence while his attorneys argue that court appearances are hindering his ability to govern effectively. This unprecedented request for a mid-trial pardon has sparked debate among opposition politicians who suggest any clemency should require his political retirement.
Netanyahu Calls Corruption Case "Bugs Bunny Trial" While Defending Pardon Request
Dec 05, 2025 06:29 pm CST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled his ongoing corruption trial as a "Bugs Bunny trial" in a social media video defending his request for a presidential pardon. The trial, which began in 2019, involves allegations of accepting luxury gifts and seeking favorable media coverage, while creating significant political divisions within Israel.
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.
Massive Protest in Jerusalem: Ultra-Orthodox Jews Rally Against Military Conscription Amid Coalition Crisis
Oct 31, 2025 12:19 am CST
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men gathered in Jerusalem to protest against mandatory military service, highlighting a growing crisis in Netanyahu's coalition government. The demonstration follows the Israeli Supreme Court's ruling that ended religious exemptions, threatening political stability as ultra-Orthodox parties warn they may withdraw support unless exemptions are legally protected. Despite increased enlistment, the issue remains divisive in Israeli society with approximately 66,000 ultra-Orthodox men currently exempt from service.
Israeli Minister Apologizes for Controversial "Keep Riding Camels" Remark to Saudi Arabia Amid Stalled Normalization Talks
Oct 23, 2025 11:46 pm CST
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued an apology for his controversial remarks telling Saudi Arabia to "keep riding camels" if they demanded a Palestinian state in exchange for diplomatic normalization. The incident highlights the complex diplomatic tensions in the Middle East following the Gaza conflict, with normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia remaining frozen since Hamas's October 2023 attack.
Netanyahu's Strategic Gamble: How Trump's Gaza Plan Could Reshape Israeli Politics and Middle East Relations
Oct 01, 2025 09:16 pm CST
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's endorsement of Trump's Gaza proposal represents a calculated political maneuver that could restore international alliances while strengthening his domestic position. The plan shifts pressure onto Hamas while addressing hostage concerns, but risks confrontation with right-wing coalition partners over Palestinian statehood references, potentially reshaping both Israeli politics and regional diplomacy ahead of upcoming elections.