Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asked President Donald Trump to continue assisting him in securing a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Axios reported. Trump has publicly endorsed pardoning Netanyahu, including during his October speech in the Knesset, though U.S. officials say he now appears reluctant to intervene further.
During their recent phone call, Trump urged Netanyahu to be a “better partner” in implementing the next phase of the Gaza agreement. He questioned why Hamas operatives trapped in tunnels were being killed instead of allowed to surrender. Netanyahu replied that the fighters were armed and dangerous.
Trump also pressed Israel to scale back operations in Syria, saying the country’s new leadership is attempting reforms and warning against destabilizing actions. In recent months, Israel has conducted extensive operations in Syria, including a raid last week that killed 20 militants and wounded six Israeli soldiers.
The IDF currently operates at nine posts inside southern Syria as part of ongoing efforts to prevent weapons transfers to hostile groups. Netanyahu has since softened his tone, suggesting progress may be possible and hinting at a potential White House visit.
