WASHINGTON, June 25 – U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to call off Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial or issue a full pardon, praising the Israeli leader as a hero and expressing unwavering support. Trump’s remarks, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, reflect his belief that Netanyahu should be protected from prosecution due to his contributions to the state of Israel.
“Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel),” Trump wrote on Wednesday. He also mentioned that Netanyahu, often called “Bibi,” was scheduled to make a court appearance on Monday.
Trump’s remarks mark one of his clearest attempts to influence another nation’s legal proceedings in recent times, highlighting the strong bond he continues to share with Netanyahu amid shifting political landscapes in both nations. He went further, stating: “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu,” implying that the U.S., under his leadership or influence, should intervene or support Netanyahu in this personal legal crisis.
Netanyahu’s Legal Battle
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, was indicted in 2019 on multiple charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial officially began in 2020 and centers around three separate cases involving allegations of accepting gifts from wealthy businessmen and offering regulatory favors in exchange for favorable media coverage.
Netanyahu has repeatedly denied all charges, insisting that the accusations are politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to unseat him. He has described the ongoing proceedings as a “witch hunt,” echoing the same language Trump uses in reference to his own legal troubles in the United States.
The Israeli prime minister has refused to resign and continues to lead the government while under indictment, arguing that he is entitled to a fair trial and is innocent until proven guilty.
Response from Israel’s Political Opposition
Trump’s outspoken remarks sparked swift criticism from Israeli opposition figures. Opposition leader Yair Lapid firmly criticized the remarks, stressing that judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democratic country.
“With all due respect and gratitude to the president of the United States, he’s not supposed to intervene in a legal process of an independent state,” Lapid stated during an interview with the Israeli news website Ynet. He added, “I hope and suppose that this is a reward he is giving him because he is planning to pressure him on Gaza and force him into a hostage deal that will end the war.”
Lapid’s comments reflect growing concern in Israel about external influences on internal legal and political processes. He warned that international involvement in the country’s legal affairs could undermine public trust in its judicial system.
Trump’s Praise for Netanyahu and the U.S.-Israel Relationship
Despite recent tensions between the two leaders — including Trump’s rare criticism of Israel’s military actions post-ceasefire in Gaza — his latest comments reveal a renewed admiration for Netanyahu. He referred to the Israeli leader as a “warrior” and someone who has “done so much for the State of Israel.”
The phrase “the United States of America that saved Israel,” which Trump used in his post, is widely believed to allude to past U.S. military and intelligence support for Israel, particularly in efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump has frequently taken credit for strengthening Israel’s security during his presidency, pointing to actions like moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and facilitating normalization deals between Israel and several Arab countries.
Legal Parallels and Political Messaging
Trump’s comments also seem to draw a parallel between his own legal challenges and Netanyahu’s. Calling Netanyahu’s trial a “witch hunt,” Trump echoed his usual rhetoric, reinforcing the idea that legal actions against him and his associates are politically motivated and unfair.
This strategic alignment allows Trump to strengthen ties with his pro-Israel voter base while simultaneously casting doubt on judicial systems he perceives as antagonistic. His rhetoric positions Netanyahu as a fellow victim of legal overreach — a message likely intended to resonate with conservative audiences in both countries.
What Comes Next?
It remains uncertain whether Trump’s statement will have any practical impact on Netanyahu’s legal proceedings. Israel’s judiciary operates independently of its executive branch, and efforts to cancel or override the trial through political means would face immense legal and public scrutiny.
However, Trump’s words may embolden Netanyahu’s supporters and increase political pressure within Israel to bring the trial to an end, especially at a time when the country is dealing with ongoing conflict and security challenges.
As Netanyahu prepares for his next court appearance, the issue of whether or not the trial should continue will likely remain a divisive topic in Israeli politics — now complicated by a American president weighing in with a passionate demand for dismissal or pardon.