President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his support for former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing a corruption trial in Israel.
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Trump called the ongoing legal
proceedings a "Witch Hunt," echoing his own rhetoric regarding his impeachment trials and various investigations during his presidency. He suggested that the case against Netanyahu should be "CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY," or that he should be granted a pardon, referring to him as a "Great Hero" and praising his efforts against Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial began in 2020 and has been a significant political issue in Israel. The only individual with the power to pardon Netanyahu is the country's current president, Issac Herzog, who has not indicated that a pardon is under consideration.
Some of Netanyahu's allies in Israel, such as Likud Party member Miki Zohar and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, have also criticized the trial's continuation and have agreed with Trump's sentiment. However, Zohar noted that it is not the role of the U.S. President to interfere in Israel's legal system, emphasizing the importance of its independence.
The comments come amid ongoing tension between the two leaders' approaches to international policy, particularly in the context of Iran. The day before Trump's post, Netanyahu had criticized the Trump administration for not informing him about the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in January 2020. Despite this, Trump's statement highlights a continued bond between the two leaders and underscores his willingness to publicly defend Netanyahu against his domestic legal challenges.