Trump talks about pardoning Netanyahu, threatens Iran and receives biggest award from Israel

Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister in the USA At his residence in Florida this Monday (29), the President of the United States, Donald Trump, once again made strong statements alongside the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, during the fifth meeting between the two since Trump’s return to the White House, almost a year ago. Amid mutual praise, Trump suggested that Netanyahu could receive a presidential pardon in his corruption trial and threatened new attacks against Iran. ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp Commenting on the legal process that Netanyahu faces in Israel, Trump stated that he spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and said he believed that a pardon would be “on the way”. The speech provoked an immediate reaction: Herzog’s office denied that any decision had been taken and stated that the issue is still under evaluation, with no defined deadline. Benjamin Netanyahu classified his meeting with the Republican as “very productive”. “We have never had a friend like President Trump in the White House,” he declared. “He may be very difficult,” but Israel “may not even exist” without the leadership demonstrated by Netanyahu following the unprecedented Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Trump praised. Trump toughens speech against Iran The president said the United States could launch new attacks if Tehran tries to rebuild its nuclear program or expand its long-range missile capacity. According to Trump, if new activities are confirmed, “the consequences will be very powerful, perhaps even stronger than the last time.” Trump’s warning to Tehran, Israel’s declared enemy, comes six months after American attacks on its nuclear program. Iran, in turn, insists that it is not enriching uranium and claims to remain open to diplomatic negotiations. An aide close to the Iranian supreme leader reacted immediately, declaring that “any aggression” against his country would be “immediately followed by a very severe response.” “Iran’s ballistic and defense capabilities cannot be contained” and do not require “any authorization”, wrote Ali Shamkhani on the X network. Conflict in the Gaza Strip The topic was also linked to discussions on Gaza. Trump said he wanted to move quickly to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, but again defended the disarmament of the Palestinian group as a central condition. The agreement, mediated by the United States, faces difficulties and disagreements between Israel, Arab countries and the American administration itself. Washington wants to accelerate the implementation of the fragile ceasefire plan, in force since October in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, which accuse each other of frequent violations. Trump will receive the Israel Prize On a symbolic level, the Israeli government announced that Trump will receive the Israel Prize, traditionally awarded to Israeli citizens for contributions to the arts and sciences. Israel’s Education Minister, Yoav Kisch, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the decision and stated that this will be the first time that the honor will be given to a foreign head of state, in recognition of what he called an “exceptional contribution to the Jewish people”. Analysts point out that, despite the tone of total alignment displayed publicly, differences persist between Trump and Netanyahu on sensitive issues, such as the future of the West Bank, Turkey’s post-war role in Gaza and the situation in Syria. Still, for Netanyahu, the image of explicit support from the American president may have domestic political weight, especially given the judicial and electoral pressures he faces in Israel.

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