Former Supreme Court President, retired Justice Aharon Barak, said today (Thursday) in a conversation with Akiva Weiss on Makor Rishon that he supports an agreement that will bring an end to Prime Minister Netanyahu's trial.
Barak: "I am in favor of an agreement with Netanyahu. It doesn't matter if it's a pardon or a plea bargain, the main thing is that we reach an agreement. This could lead to calm. I don't know why it's not happening. If it were up to me, I would make an effort to reach an agreement.".
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However, regarding the intervention of US President Donald Trump, and the statement he issued tonight, Barak claimed that "it is very disturbing." According to him, he "is not aware of any precedent for this, although he cannot state that there was none.".
President Trump's strong statement sparked heated debate in the political system, with ministers and members of Knesset calling for an end to the legal proceedings against the Prime Minister.
Those around President Herzog, who is in charge of the pardon issue, recalled today that the president said in Independence Day interviews that in his opinion it is appropriate for Netanyahu's trial to come to an end at this time with an agreed-upon plea deal.
The sources also said that the president believes that the parties should hold an intensive dialogue as soon as possible, with the best interests of the state in mind - as the court itself has recommended several times.
Regarding the pardon, those close to Herzog said, it is important to remember: The pardon process in Israel begins with a request for pardon by the person concerned, as is customary.
In a tweet, Trump expressed shock at the news that Netanyahu is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday. He described Netanyahu as a "wonderful wartime prime minister" and a "warrior — perhaps the greatest warrior in the history of Israel.".
Trump emphasized his partnership with Netanyahu in the war against Iran, which he called "a long-standing, tough, brilliant enemy of Israel." He said, "Bibi and I have been through hell together, fighting Iran, and Bibi could not have been better, sharper, or stronger in his love for the wonderful Holy Land.".
The president credited Netanyahu with the achievement of "eliminating one of the greatest threats of nuclear weapons in the world," an achievement that, he said, "no one believed was possible.".
""We have literally fought for the survival of Israel - and no one in the history of Israel has fought harder or more effectively than Bibi Netanyahu," Trump wrote.
Trump claimed that the charges against the prime minister include "cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and a host of other unfair charges," calling it "an unimaginable horror show.".
At the end of the post, Trump wrote: "This is a witch hunt against a man who has given so much. This is unacceptable to me. He deserves more than this - and the State of Israel deserves more.".
He then explicitly read: "Bibi Netanyahu's trial must be overturned immediately - or a pardon granted to a great hero, who did so much for the country.".
The president also wrote: "Perhaps there is no person I know who could work in such good harmony with the President of the United States - with me - as Bibi Netanyahu.".
He declared: "It was the United States that saved Israel - and now it will be the United States that will save Bibi Netanyahu. This injustice called 'justice' must not be allowed!""
Government firebrand Benjamin Netanyahu shared on the social network X at noon (Thursday) the tweet of US President Donald Trump - who called for his trial to be overturned.
Netanyahu wrote: "Thank you President Trump for your moving support for me and your tremendous support for Israel and the Jewish people. We will continue to work together to defeat our common enemies, free our hostages, and quickly expand the circle of peace.".
