Trump Calls for Cancellation of Netanyahu's Corruption Trial Amidst Israeli-Iranian Conflict
US President Donald Trump has made a strong call for an end to the ongoing corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling the prosecution's attempts as a witch hunt
and a travesty of justice
. This comes amidst a tense backdrop of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Background
Netanyahu's trial, which dates back to 2020, includes allegations of accepting luxury gifts from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan. The Israeli Prime Minister has been fighting these charges in court, even as he has been leading Israel through recent conflicts with Iran.
Trump, a known ally of Netanyahu, took to social media platform Truth Social to voice his support for the embattled Prime Minister. Bibi and I just went through hell together, fighting a very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran,
Trump wrote, adding that he was shocked
to learn that Netanyahu is still being summoned to court.
Key Developments
Trump's intervention in the Israeli legal system is unprecedented. He praised Netanyahu's leadership during the recent Israeli attacks on Iran, stating that the Prime Minister played a key role in destroying a major nuclear threat. He further claimed that the United States, under his leadership, had saved Israel
and now must save Netanyahu.
Bibi Netanyahu was a WARRIOR, like perhaps no other Warrior in the History of Israel,
Trump wrote. "The result was something that nobody thought was possible, a complete elimination of potentially one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World.”
The US President demanded that Israel immediately cancel the corruption trial, or grant Netanyahu a full pardon. He condemned the ongoing prosecution and called the trial a “witch hunt” and “travesty of justice”.
Implications and Reactions
These developments come amidst an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Netanyahu's leadership has been tested with recent missile attacks in Beersheba, southern Israel, which resulted in the death of four people, including a child. The attacks were a response to the killing of a top Iranian general in a US drone strike in Baghdad.
Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria. The Israeli military claimed their attacks have delayed Iran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by “at least two or three years”.
Current Status
The corruption trial against Netanyahu is ongoing, with no sign of immediate cancellation or a pardon. The Israeli-Iranian conflict continues to escalate, with fresh strikes from both sides. President Trump's statements have added a new dimension to the situation, but it remains to be seen how his calls will impact the Israeli legal system and the wider conflict.