"Witch hunt": Trump lashes out at Netanyahu's corruption trial

Benjamin Netanyahu faces a historic trial for alleged corruption, becoming the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be criminally prosecuted .

US President Donald Trump publicly demanded the trial be canceled. On social media, he highlighted the minister's role in the ongoing war against Iran and the recent bombing of nuclear facilities.

The trial included three main cases: Case 1000, for receiving lavish gifts from businessmen; Case 2000, for negotiating favorable media coverage; and Case 4000, for granting regulatory benefits in exchange for a positive editorial stance.

The hearings began in May 2020 and progressed slowly due to legal challenges, extensive testimony, and the political climate. He began his witness statement in 2024 , and was cross-examined in March 2025.

Netanyahu denied all charges and claimed it was a political persecution . The British network The Guardian and Reuters documented how the trial divided Israeli society.

“Bibi and I have just been through hell together, fighting Iran (...) Despite all this, I just learned that Bibi has been summoned to trial on Monday to continue this protracted case ,” the president said.

Donald Trump called the trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he described as a hero for his role in the war against Iran , a "witch hunt." He demanded the trial be dropped or he be pardoned for his services to Israel.

“Such a witch hunt, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me . He deserves much more than this, and so does the State of Israel. Bibi Netanyahu's trial should be immediately canceled, or a pardon should be granted to a great hero,” he concluded.