Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to either cancel the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or offer him a pardon. Trump described the legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a “witch-hunt.”
The call, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes as Netanyahu faces serious charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, stemming from his indictment in 2019. The trial began in 2020 and involves three separate criminal cases. Netanyahu has consistently denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty.
In his post, Trump expressed strong support for Netanyahu, 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 (of Israel).” He noted that Netanyahu was scheduled to appear in court soon, emphasizing the urgency of his request.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has the authority to grant a pardon but has indicated that it is “not currently on the table.” He also mentioned that no request for a pardon has been made.
Trump further claimed, “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.” However, it remains unclear what actions Trump or the U.S. government could take to influence the ongoing trial.
The timing of Trump’s comments is interesting, as they came shortly after he publicly criticized Netanyahu for Israel’s military actions in Iran following a ceasefire. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s response, saying, “I’m not happy with Israel.”
Responses to Trump’s remarks have varied in Israel. Some of Netanyahu’s allies welcomed his support, while opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Trump not to interfere in Israel’s legal matters, calling it an independent country. Lapid suggested that Trump’s comments might be a way to compensate Netanyahu for pressure on other issues.
Others, like Ariel Kellner from Netanyahu’s Likud party, opposed foreign interference in Israel’s judicial affairs. However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir supported Trump’s call, arguing that the charges against Netanyahu were part of a larger political conspiracy.
As the trial continues, the debate over the influence of foreign leaders in domestic legal processes remains a contentious issue in Israel.