Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Israel cancel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, calling it a “ridiculous witch hunt” and urging Israeli authorities to end the proceedings or grant Netanyahu a pardon.
At a Glance
- Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases.
- Trump described the trial as a “travesty of justice” and called Netanyahu a “Great Hero.”
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog said a pardon is not currently under consideration.
- The trial began in 2020 and is expected to continue through at least 2026.
- Trump’s intervention has sparked controversy among Israeli officials and the public.
Trump’s Intervention in Netanyahu’s Trial
On June 25, 2025, President Trump demanded on social media that Israel cancel Netanyahu’s corruption trial or grant him a pardon, calling the legal process a “ridiculous witch hunt” and a “travesty of justice.” Trump praised Netanyahu as a “Great Hero” who has done much for Israel and declared, “the United States of America saved Israel, and now is going to save Bibi Netanyahu,” according to a Reuters report.
Netanyahu is facing charges in three cases: Case 1000 involves allegations of receiving expensive gifts in exchange for favors; Case 2000 concerns accusations of negotiating favorable media coverage in return for legislative benefits; and Case 4000 alleges granting regulatory favors to a telecommunications company in exchange for positive media coverage, as detailed in another Reuters article. The trial started in 2020, with cross-examination beginning in June 2025, and is expected to continue for another year or more.
Watch a report: Trump’s Demand to Cancel Netanyahu’s Trial.
Israeli Reactions to Trump’s Comments
Trump’s intervention has drawn mixed reactions in Israel. President Isaac Herzog emphasized that a pardon is not currently being considered and that no such request has been made, affirming judicial independence, as noted by Reuters.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Trump for interfering in Israel’s legal affairs and suggested that the demand for a pardon might be linked to broader political pressures, including ongoing conflict issues in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, members of Netanyahu’s Likud party welcomed Trump’s support, viewing it as reinforcement of the strong U.S.–Israel alliance, also reported by Al Jazeera.
What’s Next?
President Trump’s call to cancel Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial adds an intense international dimension to an already contentious legal and political battle in Israel. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this intervention helps Netanyahu politically or deepens concerns about judicial independence and democratic governance.
