Calling it a “travesty of justice,” U.S. President Donald Trump demands Israel drop the corruption trial against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, linking it to interference in Iran and Hamas negotiations.
Washington D.C. [US], June 29 – In a strongly worded statement, U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) denounced the ongoing corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, branding it a “political witch hunt” and calling for its immediate cancellation.
Netanyahu, who is currently facing three separate legal cases—Case 1000, 2000, and 4000—involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has consistently denied all allegations, calling them “fake.” The trial, which began in May 2020, marks the first time in Israeli history that a sitting Prime Minister is being tried in court while still in office.
In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump expressed his anguish and outrage, criticizing the timing and motives of the Israeli judiciary.
“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu. He is a War Hero and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to get rid of the dangerous nuclear threat in Iran,” Trump wrote. “He is right now negotiating a deal with Hamas, including getting the hostages back, yet they force him to sit in a courtroom all day over NOTHING—cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, etc. It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to what I was forced to endure.”
Trump emphasized that such legal distractions are not only unjust but jeopardize critical international negotiations, particularly with Iran and Hamas.
“This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. It is INSANITY what these out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi. The U.S. spends billions annually to support Israel, and we are not going to stand for this. We just had a great victory with Netanyahu at the helm — and this tarnishes it. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!” Trump declared.
The ongoing legal proceedings have become a point of controversy not just in Israel but also among international allies. Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not required to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court.
Adding further to the Israeli PM’s legal woes, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague recently issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, accusing him of crimes against humanity and war crimes. These charges include allegations of targeting civilians and enforcing starvation policies in Gaza, in the context of Israel’s ongoing military operations.
Earlier this week, Trump reiterated his call for the cancellation of Netanyahu’s trial, stating that it is politically motivated and based on trivial and symbolic charges.
“It’s a horror show,” Trump said, noting the absurdity of charges involving gifts like cigars and collectibles, and labeling the judiciary’s actions as a “deep state” attempt to undermine a democratically elected leader during a national crisis.
As Netanyahu continues to navigate both international diplomacy and legal defense, Trump’s remarks underscore a growing tension between judicial processes and geopolitical priorities, especially at a time when Middle East negotiations remain volatile and complex.