[Angelino97]

Israel doesn’t have the authority to tell a Florida State Attorney to “go easy” on his sentence for statutory rape of a minor in the sunshine state

No, but Israel has a powerful lobby in the U.S., and many powerful supporters, including billionaires, media figures, and politicians.

Netanyahu can pick up the phone, call some powerful friends in Florida, who will then contact the Florida State Attorney.

We don't know if that's what happened. But it's a plausible scenario.

[ScaniaBoy]

Netanyahu can pick up the phone

I don't know if you just used Netanyahu as an example, but in 2008 when Epstein received his lenient sentence, Netanyahu was out of power. Israel was governed by a coalition of left of centre parties: Kadima, Labour, and Dor together with Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu. Ehud Ohlmert was the prime minister (2006 - 2009).

[Ken H]

“No, but Israel has a powerful lobby in the U.S., and many powerful supporters, including billionaires, media figures, and politicians.”

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Why didn’t they stop Mamdani, who looks set to become NYC mayor?