U.S. President Donald Trump has openly called for the immediate cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial or for him to be pardoned — a direct intervention that seeks to shield a close ally facing serious legal accusations.

RELATED:

Iran Denies Israeli Claims of Killing Top Military Commanders After 12-Day Conflict Ends

In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump denounced the legal proceedings as a “ridiculous Witch Hunt” and a “travesty of justice,” while portraying Netanyahu as a “Great Hero” following the recent 12-day joint military operation by Israel and the United States against Iran.

Netanyahu is currently on trial for charges of bribery, fraud, and abuse of public trust, in a case formally opened in 2020. He is accused of receiving luxury gifts — including cigars, champagne, and even a Bugs Bunny doll — in exchange for political favors and regulatory support. As Trump framed it: “This is the first time a sitting Israeli Prime Minister has been on trial… concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges.”

While Netanyahu denies all allegations and claims the charges are politically motivated, the case has faced delays, legal maneuvers, and strong public pressure from his allies to delegitimize the judiciary. Trump’s response went further, stating: “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be cancelled immediately, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State.”

The timing of Trump’s comments is not coincidental. Netanyahu has sought to use the recent military escalation with Iran to reinforce his image as a “wartime prime minister” and deflect from growing internal scrutiny. Trump praised him as a “WARRIOR” and highlighted their personal political alignment: “Perhaps there is no one that I know who could have worked in better harmony with the President of the United States, ME, than Bibi Netanyahu.”

This unequivocal support from the White House arrives amid deep political polarization in Israel. Pro-Netanyahu supporters have frequently gathered outside the Tel Aviv courthouse demanding the suspension of the trial and denouncing it as a “political witch hunt.” At the same time, legal experts, opposition leaders, and civil society organizations warn that these coordinated efforts to undermine the judiciary threaten to erode Israel’s democratic institutions and rule of law.

Trump’s rhetoric — calling the trial “unthinkable” and a “Horror Show” — follows a familiar pattern of undermining institutional checks and balances, previously deployed in the U.S. to attack judicial and electoral processes. In this case, his statements serve not only to protect a political ally but also to reinforce Washington’s long-standing strategic interest in maintaining an unaccountable Israeli leadership amid escalating regional instability.

With Netanyahu still in power, his trial technically continues but has stalled without substantial progress. The recent military conflict and unconditional U.S. backing appear to be shielding him from any immediate political or legal consequences — further cementing a dangerous precedent of impunity.

IN THIS ARTICLE