With a ceasefire coming in Gaza, the person who is most reluctant to meet this outcome is Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Long before the conflict broke out, Netanyahu was charged with multiple felonies. Netanyahu's defense lawyers have repeatedly emphasized that "wartime leaders need to focus on national security" to allow Netanyahu to evade crimes.
Netanyahu in court
Now that the war is over, Netanyahu may face prison. At this critical moment, U.S. President Trump flew to Israel and publicly called for a pardon for Netanyahu's crimes.
According to the reference news on October 14, Trump stood on the table of the Israeli parliament, faced with the House of Representatives, suddenly turned to Israeli President Herzog, throwing the shocking suggestion "Why not forgive Netanyahu?"
Trump said Netanyahu has proved himself to be one of the best "wartime" leaders. What's even more eye-catching is Trump's understatement of Netanyahu's corruption allegations: "Who cares about cigars and champagne?"
It is worth noting that just as Trump was giving his speech, two Israeli left-wing lawmakers, Aud and Kasif, suddenly held up the slogan "Recognize the Palestinian State" to protest.
Security personnel quickly dragged them away, and people saw that under the apparent unity of the Israeli government, the cracks were deep and visible to the bones.
Trump's public request to pardon Netanyahu is undoubtedly challenging Israel's judicial independence and interfering in Israel's internal affairs.
This is not the first time Trump has spoken out about Netanyahu's corruption case, but Netanyahu, whom Trump calls his "greatest friend", is currently mired in the corruption case.
In fact, those "cigars and champagne" are not insignificant. Allegations show that Netanyahu and his family received approximately $280,000 worth of luxury goods, including cigars, champagne and jewelry, between 2007 and 2016.
In return, Netanyahu was accused of providing benefits.
The trial has lasted for more than five years. Just two months before Trump's visit, the Jerusalem District Court made a highly symbolic decision: Netanyahu was required to attend hearings three times a week starting in November this year.
The judge made it clear that it was “necessary to speed up the proceedings.”The marathon trial suddenly began to sprinkle, letting many smell the final breath.
Interestingly, Trump’s “forgiveness proposal” formed a subtle confrontation with Herzog’s past statements. The Israeli president has made it clear that “no one can be above the law.”
This principled stance is in sharp contrast to Trump's casual judicial intervention. Over the years, despite constant political pressure, the trial against Netanyahu has progressed with twists and turns.
At the first trial in May 2020, Netanyahu became Israel’s first current prime minister to be tried in court. Today, with the increasing frequency of hearings, this lengthy legal battle is heading to its height.
According to Israeli court arrangements, the cross-claims in Netanyahu’s case are expected to take a year to be completed. If the conviction is established, the prime minister faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for bribery and a maximum of 3 years in prison for fraud and breach of public trust.
As a result, Netanyahu can be imprisoned for more than ten years at most.
Ironically, on the day of Trump's speech, Netanyahu also received another "gift", a "Golden Dove of Peace" sculpture and a promise of the Presidential Medal of Honor.
But these glamorous honors are in bitter contrast to the three-time court hearing schedule a week.
There is no doubt that Netanyahu is unwilling to end there. If he tries to take risks, peace in Gaza may be broken again. What Netanyahu will leave Israel will be endless conflicts and wars.