U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to cancel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, calling the charges politically driven and unworthy of someone he described as a “great wartime hero.”
Writing on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump said he was “shocked” that Israel was continuing what he termed a “ridiculous witch hunt” against Netanyahu, whom he praised for leading the country through one of its most challenging periods. He referred to Netanyahu as a “warrior” who had fought against Iran, calling the outcome a significant military success for Israel.
Trump criticised the Israeli judiciary for proceeding with the trial, which he said involved trivial allegations, such as “cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges.” He asserted that Netanyahu “deserves much better than this,” and argued that Israel’s justice system should either cancel the trial or issue a pardon.
He further claimed that “the United States of America that saved Israel” would now do the same for Netanyahu, adding that the situation amounted to a “travesty of justice.”
Netanyahu faces three separate corruption cases filed in 2019—Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000—centred on allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He has denied all charges, calling them politically motivated and without merit. His trial, which began in May 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has appeared in court as a criminal defendant.
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not required to step down unless convicted by the Supreme Court, a process that could extend over months or years.
Read next
13:00
Global population
The planet is still on track to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, yet most families are having fewer children than they want. Longer lives, lower fertility and uneven migration now demand a rethink of how societies support parents and care for an ageing population.
12:30
North Korea has opened a large coastal resort in its eastern Kalma region, with leader Kim Jong Un describing the project as a key development in the country’s tourism sector, according to state media on Thursday.
12:00
Business news
Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire BP in a historic £60 billion deal, despite ongoing market speculation about a potential merger between the two oil giants.
11:30
Meta OpenAI
Meta has snapped up three star researchers from OpenAI's Zurich lab, escalating the fierce battle for top Artificial Intelligence talent as tech giants race to dominate the next era of artificial intelligence.
11:00
business news
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford, UK has secured a government support package worth around £500 million ($686 million) for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment