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Trump Demands Netanyahu’s Trial Be Cancelled, Calls It a Witch-Hunt
U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by publicly calling for the cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, denouncing it as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.” Trump’s remarks, shared via social media, also floated the idea of a presidential pardon, portraying Netanyahu as a wartime leader being persecuted unjustly.
In a characteristically defiant tone, Trump referred to Netanyahu as a “great hero” and declared, “Bibi and I just went through HELL together.” Praising Netanyahu’s leadership during recent military escalations with Iran, Trump claimed that Israel had been “saved” thanks to joint efforts and argued that it was now Israel’s turn to “save Bibi Netanyahu.”
Trump Rallies Behind Netanyahu
Netanyahu is currently facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in multiple high-profile cases that involve allegations of accepting lavish gifts and manipulating media coverage in exchange for political favors. The trial, which began in 2020, remains in its evidentiary phase and has already seen extensive witness testimonies.
Trump’s call for Israel to either halt the trial or issue a pardon for Netanyahu is seen as an extraordinary intervention, especially given the sensitivity of the ongoing legal proceedings. His statement echoes the rhetoric he often uses to describe his own legal troubles in the U.S., painting both himself and Netanyahu as victims of a “deep state” conspiracy.
Implications for Israel’s Judiciary
Trump’s remarks have sparked strong reactions in Israel, with supporters of Netanyahu viewing the statement as a show of solidarity, while critics warn that such calls threaten the independence of the judiciary. Legal analysts caution that entertaining a pardon mid-trial could set a dangerous precedent and undermine Israel’s democratic institutions.
While the Israeli government has not officially responded to Trump’s demands, the Prime Minister’s Office has not indicated any intent to pursue clemency or interfere with the ongoing judicial process. Observers note that even within Netanyahu’s own coalition, there are voices urging restraint and respect for due process.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout
Trump’s intervention comes at a delicate moment for Israeli politics, where the balance between governance, legal accountability, and public trust is under strain. For Netanyahu, the trial represents both a personal legal battle and a political test that could shape his legacy.
As Trump ramps up his rhetoric ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterms and eyes the 2028 presidential election, his global endorsements are increasingly drawing scrutiny. This latest move, involving one of the most high-profile legal cases in Israeli history, adds yet another layer to the evolving narrative of international populist alliances.
Whether Netanyahu’s trial proceeds uninterrupted or gets swept into a wider political storm may depend on how Israel’s judiciary, public opinion, and global allies respond to this unprecedented external pressure.
