Trump Interferes In Israeli Justice, Ignites Political Uproar

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ignited political turmoil in Israel by calling for an end to the ongoing corruption trial of his longtime ally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump’s remarks, made in a fiery social media post, were quickly rebuffed by Israeli opposition leaders, who accused him of attempting to meddle in the country’s judicial system.

Trump, writing on his platform Truth Social, described Netanyahu’s trial as a “ridiculous witch hunt” and a “horror show.”

He also praised him as a “warrior like no other” for his role in the recent short-lived conflict with Iran.

He said it was the United States that “saved Israel” and that it would now be America that “saves Bibi,” using Netanyahu’s nickname.

Trump also floated the idea of a pardon, despite having no legal authority in Israel.

His comments drew strong criticism from across Israel’s political spectrum.

Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party and a frequent critic of Netanyahu, expressed gratitude for U.S. support during the Iran conflict.

During this time, American bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities but firmly rejected what he called “interference in the legal process.”

“There is no doubt that Trump’s words are aimed at bolstering Netanyahu,” Lapid said, “but Israel’s democracy and legal institutions are not bargaining chips in international diplomacy.”

Gilad Kariv, a member of the left-leaning Democrats party and a Reform rabbi, invoked Jewish ethical tradition to denounce Trump’s intervention.

“No person is above the law. Not even a prime minister,” he said.

Netanyahu’s trial, which began in 2020 and has been repeatedly delayed by war and political maneuvers, marks the first time in Israeli history that a sitting prime minister has stood trial for criminal charges.

He faces allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in three separate cases.

These include claims that he received luxury gifts in exchange for political favors and promoted regulatory changes to benefit media tycoons in return for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu has denied all charges, insisting the trial is a politically motivated attempt by the media and judicial elites to end his tenure.

Despite the serious accusations, Netanyahu’s allies embraced Trump’s remarks.

Shlomo Karhi, the Likud Party’s communications minister, posted “Every word” in support of Trump’s statement.

Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar described the legal proceedings as “personal persecution.”

On the other hand, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his far-right views, claimed the charges were “concocted by the deep state.”

Yet, not all on the right echoed Trump’s position.

Simcha Rothman, the influential chair of Israel’s parliamentary law and justice committee and a key figure in efforts to overhaul Israel’s judiciary, criticized the trial but defended the country’s sovereignty.

“It is not the role of the president of the United States to intervene in legal proceedings in the state of Israel,” Rothman said.

The timing of Trump’s remarks is especially sensitive.

Netanyahu has faced accusations of prolonging the war in Gaza to delay his legal reckoning and preserve his political power.

As cross-examination in his trial resumes, after multiple postponements, legal analysts estimate it could take up to a year to complete.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds the constitutional authority to issue pardons, has distanced himself from the idea.

According to local media, Herzog said a pardon was “not currently on the table” and confirmed that no formal request had been made.

Public opinion in Israel remains deeply divided.

Polls suggest that Netanyahu gained some support following the brief war with Iran, yet not enough to guarantee reelection in the vote expected next year.

His coalition’s far-right partners remain fiercely opposed to any peace deal that would end the Gaza war, a move that could jeopardize his fragile government.

Trump’s dramatic foray into Israeli politics underscores the deep and personal bond between the two leaders, but also the risks of cross-border political endorsements.

As one Israeli analyst put it: “What plays well on Truth Social doesn’t necessarily translate into trust in Israeli courts.”

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