Thu Jun 26 01:21:08 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Israel to either pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or halt his ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges, which he denies. Trump, in a Truth Social post, labeled the case a “witch hunt” and lauded Netanyahu as a “Great Hero,” suggesting U.S. intervention could save him. While Israeli President Isaac Herzog has the power to pardon Netanyahu, he has indicated it is not currently being considered. Trump also appeared to reference the U.S. involvement and support for Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, stating the U.S. was going to save Netanyahu just as it saved Israel.

**News Article:**

**Trump Urges Israel to Pardon or Drop Charges Against Netanyahu**

*Washington D.C., June 26, 2025* – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Israel to either pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or cancel his ongoing corruption trial. The statement, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, has reignited debate surrounding the legal proceedings against the Israeli leader.

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, stemming from three separate criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial, which began in 2020, is expected to last approximately a year with cross-examination having begun June 3.

“Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel),” Trump wrote. He also appeared to allude to recent U.S. involvement in brokering a ceasefire in connection with Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, saying that “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu.”

Trump, known for his staunch support of Netanyahu during his presidency, described the case as a “witch hunt,” a term he has frequently used to describe legal challenges against himself.

While Israeli President Isaac Herzog possesses the authority to pardon Netanyahu, Israeli media outlets have reported that he has stated a pardon is “not currently on the table” and that no such request has been made. The situation remains closely watched, with potential ramifications for both Israeli and U.S. politics.

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