Global Press: Trump the Key Player in Netanyahu's Pardon File

An article in the Israeli newspaper Maariv considered that U.S. President Donald Trump is the main player in the pardon file for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, rather than Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Writer Mati Tuchfeld in the newspaper viewed that the issue of pardoning Netanyahu is part of Trump's vision and the major moves he plans on a global level.

She noted that some in Netanyahu's circle realize that the real negotiations will not take place between the Prime Minister's lawyer and the head of state, but rather between him and American parties who see that Netanyahu's resignation is not on the table at all.

In a related context, the Jerusalem Post called in its editorial for Israel to find a way to move forward after years of Netanyahu's trial on corruption charges that have been prolonged due to bureaucratic complexities.

It pointed out that a large portion of Israelis are fed up with the trial, while others insist on its continuation until the end.

On the issue of Israeli expansion in the region, writer Nasreen Malik in the Guardian viewed what she described as "Israeli imperialism" expanding throughout the region, not limited to Gaza, but also continuing attacks on the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon.

The writer noted that ceasefires are being violated and Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions continue, leading to an increase in fatalities.

On the military economic front, Politico pointed to a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute showing that revenues from the world's top 100 arms companies rose last year by nearly 6% to a record level of $679 billion in 2024.

The report attributed this increase to the growing demand fueled by the war in Ukraine and Gaza and rising military spending globally.

In developments regarding migrant issues, The Hill noted the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security's acknowledgment of her agreement to deport Venezuelan detainees to El Salvador despite a court order to halt that.