Former U.S. President Donald Trump has come out strongly in defense of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israeli authorities to cancel the ongoing corruption trial against him. Labeling the legal proceedings a “witch hunt,” Trump described the charges as politically motivated and unjustified, especially in the wake of Israel’s recent military conflict with Iran.
Netanyahu, currently facing criminal charges in three separate cases, became the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to take the witness stand in a corruption trial. The charges against him include fraud, breach of trust, and bribery—allegations he has repeatedly denied, claiming they are part of a targeted campaign against him by hostile media and a biased judiciary.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump expressed his indignation over the trial continuing despite Netanyahu’s recent leadership during a turbulent period for Israel. “I was shocked to hear that the State of Israel, which has just had one of its greatest moments in history, and is strongly led by Bibi Netanyahu, is continuing its ridiculous Witch Hunt against their great war-time Prime Minister!” Trump wrote.
Trump went on to praise Netanyahu’s leadership during the latest confrontation with Iran, asserting, “Bibi and I just went through HELL together, fighting a very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran. Bibi could not have been better, sharper, or stronger in his LOVE for the incredible Holy Land. Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos!”
He also criticized the timing of Netanyahu’s court appearance, calling it a “horror show” and saying it was politically orchestrated. “Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me,” Trump continued. “He deserves much better than this, and so does the State of Israel. Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero.”
Details of the Trial Against Netanyahu
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on multiple counts of corruption. The trial, which officially began in 2020, involves three major cases:
- Case 1000: Netanyahu and his wife are accused of receiving luxury gifts—including cigars and champagne—from billionaire Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan in exchange for political favors.
- Case 2000: Allegedly involved a deal with the publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, a major Israeli newspaper, offering legislative help to suppress a rival publication in return for more favorable coverage.
- Case 4000: Netanyahu is accused of regulatory favoritism benefiting telecommunications company Bezeq in exchange for positive news coverage on its subsidiary site, Walla News.
Netanyahu has denied all wrongdoing, calling the charges a political smear campaign. The trial, which has already faced several delays due to geopolitical tensions—including conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon—resumed on June 3, 2025, in a Tel Aviv courtroom. The cross-examination phase is expected to last nearly a year.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds the constitutional power to issue a pardon, has so far refrained from commenting favorably on such a possibility, saying a pardon is “not on the table.”
Trump concluded his remarks by suggesting that just as the United States once helped Israel in times of crisis, it should now support Netanyahu. “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,” he declared.
As of now, it’s unclear whether Trump’s public support will influence any aspect of the ongoing legal proceedings in Israel.
