Allegations Of Corruption, Trump Asks Netanyahu To Be Released: He's A Hero, Not A Corruptor!

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump denounced the corruption trial that ensnared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a "political witch hunt." He made the statement through his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Trump expressed his shock at the legal move against Netanyahu who he said was leading Israel in critical times. "It's terrible, what they're doing in Israel against Aunt Netanyahu," Trump wrote, calling Netanyahu a war hero' who has done an "extraordinary job" in cooperation with the US, including efforts to address the nuclear threat from Iran.

Trump also said Netanyahu was negotiating with Hamas to release Israeli hostages, and questioned why he should spend his time in the courtroom on charges Trump deems unsubstantial.

"How is it possible for an Israeli Prime Minister to be forced to sit in court all day long, just because of trivial things like cigars or Bugs Bunny dolls? This is a political witch hunt, similar to what I experienced," Trump wrote.

He considered the trial to potentially disrupt Israel's important negotiation process with Iran and Hamas. This is madness. Netanyahu's trial is not only an insult to justice, but can also undermine the major victory that the US and Israel have won in the face of Iran," he continued.

Trump even urged that the trial be canceled. "Free Aunt. He has a big task to complete," he said.

He made a similar statement earlier on Wednesday, June 25. Trump at that time expressed his surprise that Israel was continuing the legal process against Netanyahu, even though the country was facing a precarious war situation.

Netanyahu faces three alleged corruption cases that have been heard since May 2020. He became the first prime minister in Israeli history to be charged in criminal cases. The charges include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Netanyahu denied all of them and called them false accusations.

Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not required to resign from his post unless found guilty by the Supreme Court. The legal process could last for months.

In addition to corruption cases, Netanyahu also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against him and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for military action in the Gaza Strip.

The war, which broke out since October 7, 2023, has killed more than 56,000 people, mostly women and children, according to a recent report.

On Friday, June 27, Israel's Attorney General rejected Netanyahu's request to postpone the trial for two weeks. The request was filed on the grounds that he needed to focus on handling the impact of the Israeli attack on Iran as well as the repatriation process of Israelis who were still held hostage by Hamas.

The trial continues despite increasing political and diplomatic pressures.