Trump calls for Israeli PM's trial to be cancelled
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for Israel to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or cancel his corruption trial, saying the US would save him like it did his country.
Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in Israel on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust - all of which Netanyahu denies. The trial began in 2020 and involves three criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty.
"Bibi Netanyahu's trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel)," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he had learned that Netanyahu was due to appear in court on Monday.
Israeli media have reported that cross-examination of Netanyahu began on June 3 in a Tel Aviv court and was expected to take about a year to complete.
Israeli President Issac Herzog has the power to pardon Netanyahu but has been quoted by Israeli media as saying that a pardon is "not currently on the table". He also said that "no such request had been made," according to the reports.
Trump extolled Netanyahu as a "warrior" but also said in his post: "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."
That appeared to be a reference to US involvement and support for Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear programme.
It was unclear if Trump meant the US could do anything to aid Netanyahu in his legal battle.
The Republican president described the case against the Israeli leader as a "witch hunt," a term Trump has frequently applied to US attempts to prosecute him.
The warm words contrasted with the rare rebuke he issued on Tuesday over Israel's post-ceasefire strikes on Iran.
"Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I've never seen before. The biggest load that we've seen. I'm not happy with Israel," he told reporters.
Iran and Israel, he added, had been fighting "so long and so hard" and didn't know what they were doing.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Pro-Palestinian activists in Japan want to avoid repeat of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Their cause was thrust into the spotlight after US President Trump compared strikes on Iran to Second World War bombings
TAG 91.1
2 hours ago
- TAG 91.1
UAE condemns Israeli attacks on cities, villages in occupied West Bank
The UAE has condemned the attacks by Israeli settlers on cities and villages in the occupied West Bank, the latest of which resulted in the killing and injury of a number of Palestinians in the village of Kafr Malik near Ramallah. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned against the continuous assaults by settlers, calling on the Israeli government to assume full responsibility, condemn these practices, and hold the perpetrators accountable. The Ministry emphasised the need for joint efforts to halt the escalation and prevent further loss of life, stressing the significance of providing full protection to civilians in accordance with international law and treaties. The Ministry also called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to end the ongoing Israeli violations and to prevent fueling the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the region. UAE Condemns Israeli Attacks on Cities and Villages in the Occupied West Bank — MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 26, 2025 According to Reuters, three Palestinians were killed and seven wounded during the attack by dozens of Israeli settlers, the Palestinian health ministry said.
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Mamdani could be great for New York
With reference to Ahmed Issawy and Cody Combs's piece Muslim candidate Zohran Mamdani wins New York Democratic mayoral primary in stunning upset (June 24): Mamdani earned the win. He may be inexperienced in this role but he worked hard and spoke to issues that New Yorkers are concerned about, like rent and affordability. Let's see what happens in November. Sarah Mitchell, New Jersey, US No to socialism. Where are the representatives who are pro market and liberal democracy? Seems like we're surrounded by either Trumpists or socialists. Amir Naghshineh-Pour, New York State, US This is good news. He seems like a decent person. Marvin Babtunde, Dubai Why does his religion matter? If he has all it takes to be a great mayor, that's great for the city. Just highlighting his religion can be a foundation for division. Ivan K, Dubai The responsibility of leaders to strive for peace In reference to Thomas Helm's report Netanyahu's party gets small popularity boost after Iran war, poll shows (June 25): It has seemed of late that the world is engulfed in one too many wars, most of which are avoidable. Many could have been avoided by restrained leadership. There is a new, dangerous machismo among some world leaders. The war in Ukraine has gone on for more than three years. US President Donald Trump had promised to end this battle. It has not happened. Israel continues to bomb the Gaza strip, in the hope of decimating Hamas. Again, this has not happened, even after 20 months of bitter fighting. In Gaza, the people are killed waiting in line for bread or water. What have we come to, in this world, that we even bomb families waiting for food? The problem with all wars is that innocent, ordinary people die or pay the price. Soldiers die. They too are human beings, with mothers, wives and children. All wars are horrendous, all wars cause suffering. It is the moral duty of every leader to contain them and end the cycle of misery. Rajendra Aneja, Mumbai Is the ceasefire going to hold? In reference to Thomas Harding's report War of words rages over Iran nuclear damage reports (June 26): It's a bit premature to declare peace. When everybody sits down to talk, we shall see if they are all mature enough to behave as adults. If Trump really has so much sway over politics in the Middle East, he should sit down with Netanyahu and demand an end to the destruction in Gaza. If he manages to pull that off, he might just get the peace prize he so craves.
