President Trump urged Israel to immediately cancel the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a politicized “witch hunt” and a “travesty of justice.” He praised Netanyahu’s leadership during the Iran conflict and demanded either dismissal of the charges or a pardon.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump accused the Israeli judicial system of pursuing the trial “despite one of the greatest moments in history” for the country. He said the U.S. “saved Israel” and should now “save Bibi Netanyahu,” criticizing the timing and motives of the proceedings. The trial, involving cross-examination on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, began in May 2020 and resumed after courts opened emergency sessions during wartime.
Trump emphasized Netanyahu’s wartime performance, saying Israel achieved the “complete elimination of potentially one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World” under his leadership. He described Netanyahu as a “WARRIOR” unmatched in Israeli history. He dismissed the case as a “Horror Show” based on trivial allegations.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has stated that no pardon is being considered, and none has been requested. Legal experts note that the trial is still proceeding despite wartime judicial limits, with cross-examination underway since early June.
Trump’s unprecedented public intervention challenges norms around U.S. influence over an ally’s internal judicial affairs. Critics warn this risks diplomatic strain and undermines Israel’s legal sovereignty. Supporters applaud Trump’s defense of a wartime leader, aligning it with his own narrative against politically motivated prosecutions.
This development signals potential tensions within U.S.–Israeli relations and invites debate over foreign involvement in judicial matters. With Trump’s call amplifying the issue, Israel’s judiciary and government leaders may face renewed pressure as the trial progresses.
