Trump Calls For Cancellation Of Netanyahu Trial, Calls It A ‘Witch Hunt’
United States President Donald Trump has weighed in for his ally Benjamin Netanyahu by calling for the cancellation of the trial and to grant him a pardon. He had described the case as a “witch hunt” against the Israeli leader.
Benjamin Netanyahu had been charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in 2019. The trial had begun in 2020, however, he had denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
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“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 on his Truth Social platform using the Israeli leader’s nickname, adding that he had learned that Netanyahu was due to appear in court on Monday.
Further terming the trial as a witch hunt against the Israeli leader, he added, “Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me.”
The 75-year-old is accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigars and champagne from a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for assisting him with personal and business interests, and of promoting advantageous regulation for media moguls in exchange for favourable coverage of himself and his family, reports the Guardian.
As per the Israeli media report, the cross-examination began on June 3 in a Tel Aviv court and is expected to take about a year to complete.
Trump in his post further added that the same way the United States of America had saved Israel, the US would save ‘Bibi Netanyahu’. However, the post had come in contrast to the rare public rebuke he had made against the Israeli leader on Tuesday following the post-ceasefire strike against Iran. And it is unclear how Trump or the US government would stop the corruption trial.
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Meanwhile, the Israeli President Isaac Herzog has the power to pardon Netanyahu, but several media outlets have quoted that a pardon is “not currently on the table.” Herzog also had stated that he had not received any such requests as well.
