Trump Calls for Cancellation of Netanyahu Trial, Sparking Firestorm in Israel

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Fresh off a joint military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm in Israel by calling for the immediate cancellation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. In a forceful Truth Social post Wednesday night, Trump blasted the proceedings as a “ridiculous Witch Hunt” against a “Great War Time Prime Minister.”

“I was shocked to hear that the State of Israel… is continuing its ridiculous Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister,” Trump wrote. “Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me… Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero.”

The former prime minister of Israel is facing charges in three separate corruption cases–Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000–which include allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu has denied all wrongdoing, insisting the charges are part of a politically motivated effort by the state prosecution and police to remove him from office.

Trump’s unprecedented intervention comes just as Netanyahu’s trial resumes following a wartime pause triggered by Iran’s missile campaign. Describing their wartime cooperation as “going through HELL together,” Trump credited Netanyahu with helping destroy what he called “one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World.”

Echoing Netanyahu’s own rhetoric, Trump mocked the trial as a “Horror Show” focused on petty items like cigars and a Bugs Bunny doll. He lauded Netanyahu as “a WARRIOR” and “a Great Hero,” arguing, “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.”

Netanyahu quickly thanked Trump in a post on X, writing, “Thank you, my friend President Trump, for your unwavering support. Together we will continue to fight our common enemies, bring home the hostages, and expand the circle of peace.”

Israeli government ministers lined up behind Trump’s call. Culture Minister Miki Zohar labeled the trial “perhaps the worst thing that has happened to Israel in recent years,” and demanded its immediate cancellation. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called Trump “absolutely right,” accusing Israel’s judiciary of orchestrating a “deep state coup.” Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rothman called on President Isaac Herzog to issue a pardon.

Opposition leaders, however, slammed the intervention. Yair Lapid said Trump was likely offering support to pressure Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza. “Trump has no place interfering in our legal system,” Lapid told Ynet.

Likud MK Ofir Katz referred to the proceedings as the “Bugs Bunny trial” and called for an end to “political persecution.” Meanwhile, Democratic Union MK Gilad Kariv rebuked Trump, saying “no person is above the law,” and reminding him that accountability is foundational to Jewish democracy.

Despite calls for clemency, Netanyahu remains on trial in three cases:

• Case 1000: Accuses Netanyahu and his wife Sara of receiving luxury gifts worth over 700,000 shekels from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan in exchange for political favors.
• Case 2000: Alleges Netanyahu sought favorable media coverage from Yedioth Ahronoth in return for legislation targeting its rival outlet.
• Case 4000 (Bezeq-Walla case): The most serious charge, asserting Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits to Bezeq in exchange for positive media coverage on the Walla news site.

With Trump’s remarks thrusting Israel’s legal system into global focus, the controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s trial has taken on new international dimensions, pitting democratic institutions against populist loyalties–and raising fresh questions about justice, sovereignty, and leadership in a nation at war.

Latest Worthy News