At a time when Israel faces a make-or-break situation, President Donald Trump has boldly defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The president has called for an immediate end to the corruption trial against the prime minister, which he labeled a “witch hunt.”
President Trump declared America saved Israel in its recent war with Iran and would now also “save” Netanyahu.
His remarks immediately drew criticism from Israeli opposition leaders who claim he is interfering in their nation’s judicial system.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, President Trump did not mince words about the ongoing legal proceedings against the Israeli leader.
“Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me,” the president wrote.
“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,” he added.
Netanyahu currently faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases.
The allegations include exchanging regulatory favors for positive media coverage and accepting expensive gifts from wealthy businessmen Arnon Milchan and James Packer.
Netanyahu has consistently denied all charges and has characterized the proceedings as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
President Trump’s statement came after the United States intervened in Israel’s recent conflict with Iran.
“Bibi and I just went through HELL together, fighting a very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran, and Bibi could not have been better, sharper, or stronger in his LOVE for the incredible Holy Land,” the president said.
“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 added.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump calls for Israeli PM Netanyahu’s trial on Monday to be canceled:
“Witch hunt. He deserves much better than this, and so does the State of Israel.”
“Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be canceled, immediately, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero.” pic.twitter.com/pteyDPXrgE
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 25, 2025
Leftist Israeli politicians have rushed to criticize Trump’s support for Netanyahu.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who has consistently opposed Netanyahu’s leadership, stated: “With all due respect and gratitude to the president of the United States, he’s not supposed to intervene in a legal process of an independent state.”
Similarly, Gilad Kariv, a parliamentarian from the Democrats party, invoked the claim that “no person is above the law.”
The trial against Netanyahu, which began in 2020, has faced multiple delays, partly due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
A verdict is not expected until 2026, with the possibility of an appeal to the Supreme Court extending the process even further.
Some conservatives have pointed out that the timing of the proceedings appears designed to interfere with Netanyahu’s ability to govern during critical security challenges.
While Israeli President Isaac Herzog technically has the power to pardon Netanyahu, he has stated that a pardon is “not currently on the table.”
This leaves the prime minister facing a lengthy legal battle while simultaneously managing Israel’s complex security situation.
Netanyahu loyalists within the Israeli government have welcomed President Trump’s intervention.
The prime minister himself praised the president’s decision to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities during the recent conflict, highlighting the strong alliance between the two leaders.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of using the Gaza conflict to delay his trial, citing security concerns.
However, supporters point out that the prime minister’s focus on national security during times of crisis is what Israeli citizens expect from their leader.
