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US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Israel to “pardon” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or halt his ongoing corruption trial entirely, describing the legal proceedings against the Israeli leader as a “witch hunt.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Netanyahu—who is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust—should have his trial “cancelled immediately.” The Israeli prime minister has been on trial since 2020 and is due to appear in court again on Monday. Trump, long a close political ally of Netanyahu, referred to him as a “great hero” and a “warrior,” praising his leadership and record.
Trump’s latest comments come just days after he rebuked Israel for carrying out airstrikes on Iran following his announcement of a ceasefire deal between the two countries. Despite that criticism, Netanyahu has applauded Trump’s decision to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities last Sunday, calling it a “bold” move that protected Israel’s security.
In his online remarks, Trump claimed that the United States had effectively “saved Israel” through its intervention in the conflict with Iran and vowed to now “save” Netanyahu as well. He stated: “This travesty of ‘justice’ cannot be allowed!”—echoing language he has frequently used to describe the various criminal investigations he faces in the US.
“There’s no one that I know who could have worked in better harmony with me,” Trump said of Netanyahu, suggesting their partnership remains strong despite occasional policy disagreements.
Netanyahu responded on social media, thanking Trump for his “moving support for me and your tremendous support for Israel.” He added that they would “continue to work together to defeat our common enemies, free our hostages, and quickly expand the circle of peace.”
However, Trump’s comments sparked backlash in Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticised what he called foreign interference in the country’s judicial process.
“Trump should not intervene in a legal process of an independent state,” Lapid said in an interview with Israeli news outlet Ynet. He speculated that Trump’s statements may be a calculated gesture designed to win Netanyahu’s favour ahead of potential US pressure regarding a hostage deal and an end to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s legal proceedings have faced multiple delays, largely due to the ongoing conflicts Israel has been engaged in since Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023, attack. Some critics argue that the drawn-out war in Gaza may serve Netanyahu’s political interests by postponing elections and extending the timeline of his trial.
As Netanyahu continues to stand trial while simultaneously leading Israel through multiple crises, Trump’s highly publicised call for leniency adds a new layer of controversy to both the Israeli political landscape and the US-Israel alliance.
