President Donald Trump issued a forceful defense of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, calling for the cancellation of the Israeli leader’s corruption trial and demanding either charges be dropped or a pardon granted immediately.
Posting to Truth Social on June 25, Trump expressed shock that Netanyahu continues facing court appearances following what the President characterized as one of Israel’s greatest moments in history. The President condemned the ongoing prosecution as politically motivated persecution over what he described as trivial matters.
Trump referenced his collaboration with Netanyahu during recent military operations against Iran, describing the Israeli Prime Minister as a warrior who helped achieve what many considered impossible. The President highlighted the complete elimination of what he termed one of the world’s biggest and most powerful nuclear weapons programs.
The corruption trial against Netanyahu dates back to 2020, stemming from charges filed in 2019. The Israeli Prime Minister faces accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust across three separate criminal cases. Netanyahu has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.
Among the details that have emerged from the proceedings include testimony regarding Netanyahu’s wife requesting luxury gifts, including a giant Bugs Bunny stuffed toy for their son ahead of a 1996 dinner. The case also involves allegations that Netanyahu accepted luxury gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan.
Cross-examination of Netanyahu began on June 3 in a Tel Aviv court, with proceedings expected to continue for approximately one year. Israeli media reports indicated the trial was scheduled to resume Monday, June 30, in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem District Court called off this week’s hearings after the Israeli leader requested a delay, citing confidential diplomatic and security reasons.
Trump’s statement described the case as involving cigars, the Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other charges he characterized as unfair. The President expressed his view that such prosecution was unthinkable given Netanyahu’s recent military leadership.
The timing of Trump’s intervention comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East following recent military operations. Trump and Netanyahu collaborated during a 12-day conflict with Iran that involved coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
During that period, Israel initiated strikes targeting nuclear sites in Iran beginning June 13, marking the start of military exchanges between the two nations. The United States subsequently carried out Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, striking three Iranian nuclear facilities, including sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was brokered by the Trump administration, though both sides initially accused each other of violations in the immediate aftermath of the truce announcement. The ceasefire appeared to be holding as of June 30, despite these early tensions.
Trump’s call for Netanyahu’s legal vindication represents an unprecedented intervention by a sitting U.S. President in the judicial proceedings of a key ally. The statement concluded with Trump’s assertion that “THIS TRAVESTY OF ‘JUSTICE’ CAN NOT BE ALLOWED!”
The President’s characterization of the case as a witch hunt mirrors language he has used to describe his own legal challenges. Trump emphasized that Netanyahu deserved recognition as a great hero rather than continued prosecution.
Israeli officials have not immediately responded to Trump’s public intervention in the domestic legal proceedings. The case represents one of the most significant corruption trials in Israeli political history, with Netanyahu becoming the first sitting Prime Minister to face criminal charges while in office.
The three cases comprising the trial involve different aspects of alleged misconduct during Netanyahu’s tenure. Prosecutors have presented evidence spanning multiple years of the Prime Minister’s time in office, including interactions with media figures and business leaders.
Netanyahu’s legal team has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated and that the Prime Minister committed no wrongdoing. The defense has argued that the prosecution represents an attempt to overturn the results of democratic elections through judicial means.