On Wednesday (June 25), former U.S. President Donald Trump called for either the cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial or for him to be granted a pardon, claiming that the United States had previously saved Israel and should now do the same for Netanyahu. Netanyahu, who was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — all of which he denies — has been on trial since 2020 in connection with three separate criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty.

Trump took to Truth Social to write, “Bibi Netanyahus trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel),” noting that Netanyahu was scheduled to appear in court on Monday. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu’s cross-examination began on June 3 in Tel Aviv and is expected to last about a year. While Israeli President Isaac Herzog holds the authority to issue a pardon, reports say no such request has been made and that a pardon is not currently being considered.

Praising Netanyahu as a “warrior,” Trump added that just as the U.S. had once protected Israel, it should now step in to protect Netanyahu — a possible reference to past American support for Israeli military operations against Iran’s nuclear program. However, it remains unclear what Trump meant regarding U.S. intervention in Netanyahu’s legal matters.

Trump labeled the trial a “witch hunt,” a phrase he often uses to describe legal proceedings against himself. His supportive tone came just a day after he criticized Israel for its heavy bombing of Iran following a ceasefire agreement, telling reporters, “Im not happy with Israel.” He added that the conflict between Iran and Israel had gone on so long that “they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing.”

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.