Former President Donald Trump has publicly vowed to end Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial. As the trial continues today in Tel Aviv, this speech is taking on new resonance. The trial began in 2020. It followed after Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three different criminal cases. Trump issued his statement as Netanyahu today faces high-profile cross-examination which started on June 3. That fun but grueling process is likely to take just under a year.
In response, Trump went to bat for Netanyahu—whom he called “Bibi”—on his Truth Social platform. He referred to the legal action taken against the Prime Minister as a “witch-hunt.” He further emphasized that Netanyahu is entitled to an instant call off of the trial or a pardon. “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be dropped at once,” Trump pronounced. “Or second, he merits a pardon for being one of the greatest heroes who has given so much to the State of Israel.”
Aside from showing his cards on his long/warm relationship with Netanyahu, whom the ex President in private calls a “warrior,” He went on to state that the United States will be the “indispensable” partner to help Netanyahu get through this most difficult time. As CNN reported, Trump proclaimed, “The United States of America saved Israel. Now, it will be the United States that saves Bibi Netanyahu.”
While Trump has been a loud and proud endorser of Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has been very clear that a pardon for him is “not on the table.” As Israel’s head of state as defined by its judicial system, Herzog has the authority to grant pardons. To our knowledge, he has never indicated a desire to intervene in this case.
Netanyahu’s trial is focused on serious allegations of corruption that have brought about a serious political and public debate within Israel. So far, the Prime Minister has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he has been the subject of personal attacks that are politically motivated. His legal battle has attracted the world’s attention and continues to be the crux of Israeli politics.
As Netanyahu’s trial goes on, Netanyahu’s backers are hoping he can beat it, while critics are insisting that accountability needs to win out. Continued cross-examination will undoubtedly yield other information regarding the highly sensationalized charges against him. This new data may be the tipping point to turn public sentiment against these dangerous, wasteful projects.
