"I am appalled that Israel continues its witch hunt. Bibi and I just went through hell." Trump calls for Netanyahu corruption case to be dropped

US President Donald Trump has called for an end to the criminal prosecution of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption in Israel.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote that he was "shocked" to learn that "the State of Israel, which just experienced one of the greatest moments in its history," is continuing "its ridiculous witch hunt against its great Prime Minister."

"Bibi and I just went through hell fighting Israel's cruel and long-time enemy Iran, and Bibi could not have been better, sharper, or stronger in his love for the incredible Holy Land. Anyone else would have lost. <…> Bibi Netanyahu was a warrior like perhaps no other warrior in Israel's history. <…> We were literally fighting for Israel's survival," Trump said in a post.

The US President noted that “despite all this,” Netanyahu was summoned to court to continue the “politically motivated case.”

"This kind of witch hunt against a man who has done so much is unthinkable to me. <…> Bibi Netanyahu's trial must be stopped immediately, or a great hero who has done so much for this country must be pardoned. <…> It was the United States that saved Israel and now it is the United States that will save Bibi Netanyahu," Trump said.

Netanyahu was charged with fraud, breach of trust and bribery back in 2019. However, it was not until early December 2024 that the court ruled that Netanyahu must testify. He became the first sitting Israeli prime minister to testify in a criminal case. Among the charges brought against Netanyahu by the Israeli prosecution is that he received cigars and champagne from a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for assistance in his personal and business interests. In addition, the prime minister is accused of helping certain media outlets in exchange for more favorable coverage of his activities. Netanyahu denies all charges.