This morning, reports from Israel suggest that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon in his long-running corruption trial. According to a report in CNN, Netanyahu feels that it is in the “public’s interest” for him to receive a pardon. The president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, has sole authority to issue pardons, so Netanyahu cannot pardon himself. According to a report in Reuters, the prominent opposition leader Yair Lapid should only be pardoned if he admits guilt and expresses remorse for his actions. It is unclear what will happen next, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Herzog, a close ally of Netanyahu, grants him a pardon.
Tag: Israel
Corruption at the Israeli Labor Union.
Yesterday, the Israelis detained several high-ranking members of Histadrut, the umbrella organization of several Israeli labor unions. According to a report in the Times of Israel, many high-ranking officials, including the chair of the organization, Arnon Bar-David, have been accused of crimes ranging from Bribery, Fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and tax offenses. Many of the suspects arrested are the heads of local authorities and are alleged to have accepted bribes from prominent Israeli businesspeople in exchange for promoting their business interests. One particular case of interest is that of Ezra Gabay, the head of Gabay Insurance Agency, who allegedly used his influence to secure jobs in local authorities in exchange for the individuals in those positions signing up for insurance policies with his company. I have a feeling that this scandal will have some legs and that some relatively high-level figures in the Israeli government may have some involvement.
Trump Urges Pardon in Netanyahu Corruption Trial.
Yesterday, in a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump urged Israeli prosecutors to drop the case. According to a report in The Guardian, Trump referred to Netanyahu’s case as a “ridiculous witch hunt,” which is hardly surprising considering Trump’s use of the phrase many times before, referring to his criminal cases. Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust while in office. According to a 2024 report by Al Jazeera, Netanyahu is accused of accepting gifts from certain businesspeople in exchange for political access, as well as favorable media coverage, in return for a promise to hinder the growth of a rival newspaper. According to another report in Al Jazeera, the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, has the power to pardon Netanyahu if he so desires; however, he has stated that this option is not currently on the table. Whether or not Trump’s words have any sway, one leader trying to influence judicial proceedings in another is never a good look.
New York Mayor Adams Indicted on Corruption Charges.
Yesterday, the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, was indicted for corruption allegations. According to a report in the New York Times, Adams faces federal bribery charges, fraud, and soliciting illegal campaign funds from foreign countries. The central allegation facing Adams is that he conspired with the Turkish government to obtain funds for his re-election campaign. The federal indictment against Adams states that in return for the illegal funds, he pressured the New York Fire Department to approve the building of a new Turkish consulate despite serious concerns about its safety. According to another New York Times report, Adams reportedly solicited funds from Qatar, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Israel, and China. However, it is not just Adams facing criminal charges against him. According to the Times, the former and interim police commissioner, a former building commissioner, the deputy mayor, and a phalanx of aides are facing similar charges or, at the very least, have had to meet with federal investigators over possible corruption charges. Adams hasn’t resigned yet as of writing, but it seems like it’s only a matter of time until he does.
Crispin Corruption Report 