President Donald Trump issued a forceful defense of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, calling for the cancellation of corruption charges against him and describing the ongoing trial as politically motivated persecution.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump expressed shock that Netanyahu was being summoned to court while fresh off what he characterized as one of Israel’s greatest moments in history. The President condemned the prosecution as a witch hunt and called for immediate action to drop the charges or grant a pardon.
Trump described how he and Netanyahu had endured significant challenges together while fighting what he termed a tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel. He praised Netanyahu as a warrior and credited their joint efforts with achieving what many thought impossible – the complete elimination of potentially one of the world’s biggest and most powerful nuclear weapons programs.
The President specifically criticized the nature of the charges, which he characterized as focusing on trivial matters. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero.”
Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust stemming from a 2019 indictment. The trial, which began in 2020, involves three separate criminal cases, with Netanyahu pleading not guilty to all charges. The proceedings include accusations that Netanyahu accepted luxury gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan, with testimony revealing requests for items including a giant Bugs Bunny stuffed toy for the Prime Minister’s son ahead of a 1996 dinner.
Cross-examination of Netanyahu began on June 3 in a Tel Aviv court and is expected to continue for approximately one year. Israeli media reports indicate the Prime Minister was scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 30, when the trial resumes in Jerusalem. However, the court has postponed the proceedings at Netanyahu’s request due to security concerns.
Trump’s intervention comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East following recent military operations. The President’s statement represents an unprecedented gesture of support for a foreign leader facing domestic legal proceedings, particularly given the timing during active regional conflicts.
The corruption trial has been a significant political issue in Israel, with Netanyahu’s supporters arguing the charges are politically motivated while critics maintain that no official should be above the law. The cases involve allegations of receiving expensive gifts, including champagne and cigars, in exchange for favorable coverage and regulatory decisions.
Trump’s public statement represents a direct intervention in Israel’s judicial proceedings by a sitting American President. The timing coincides with recent US and Israeli military operations against Iranian nuclear facilities, which Trump has characterized as highly successful despite conflicting intelligence assessments about their long-term impact.
The President’s call for either cancellation of the trial or a presidential pardon reflects his view that Netanyahu’s wartime leadership should supersede domestic legal proceedings. Trump emphasized what he sees as the Prime Minister’s heroic status and contributions to Israeli security, particularly in recent operations against Iran.
Netanyahu’s legal team has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, arguing that the charges lack merit and represent an attempt to undermine his political leadership. The defense has characterized the prosecution’s evidence as circumstantial and politically motivated.
The trial’s continuation amid ongoing regional military operations has created additional complexity for Israel’s judicial system. Court proceedings have continued despite the security situation, with Netanyahu balancing his roles as defendant and wartime leader.
Trump’s statement marks the most direct foreign intervention in the Netanyahu trial proceedings since they began in 2020. The President’s characterization of the charges as a travesty of justice reflects his broader criticism of what he perceives as politically motivated prosecutions of political leaders.
