Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition on Wednesday boycotted a Knesset vote endorsing US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the request would help unify the country at a time of momentous changes in the region.

Herzog has come under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to grant Netanyahu a pardon. Trump has compared his ally Netanyahu's legal troubles there to his own at home, which he has characterized as a political witch hunt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that President Isaac Herzog pardon him of corruption charges in his five-year-long case, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent request for the favor and saying that it’s necessary to advance the two leaders’ joint interests as they ravage the Middle East.

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The pardon application, though, is a new gambit. And Trump’s letter is likely one reason for the timing. Netanyahu may believe that the U.S. president’s backing could make Herzog more amenable, while providing cover with some part of the Israeli public.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security during his visit to the country, calling it an unchanging core of bilateral relations. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,

US nudging Israel to sign off on stalled major gas deal with Cairo to 'create a warmer peace' as it encourages Jerusalem to offer economic incentives to potential allies