Trump Calls for Netanyahu Trial to End as Israel Debates Law and Power

U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Israel to stop the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump called the trial unfair and suggested that Netanyahu should be pardoned.

He made these comments in a public online post, which is unusual for a U.S. president to do about another country’s legal process. Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Prosecutors say he accepted over $200,000 in gifts from businessmen and gave special treatment to a telecom company in exchange for positive news coverage.

The trial began in 2020 and has faced many delays due to legal arguments and the challenges of leading a country during conflict. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to face criminal charges while in office.

The court has required him to testify even as he manages government business during wartime. Over 300 witnesses have already given evidence. Netanyahu denies all charges and says the case is politically motivated.

Some Israeli politicians have claimed the courts are too left-leaning, but recent years have seen the government appoint more conservative judges.

New Judicial Law in Israel Sparks Debate

In March 2025, a new law gave politicians more power over choosing judges and reduced the influence of judges themselves. Critics warn this could weaken the independence of the courts, but the government says it restores balance between elected officials and judges.

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, comes from a center-left background and has said there is no plan to pardon Netanyahu, a conservative, at this time.

If convicted, Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and three years for fraud and breach of trust. The case also affects Israel’s media and telecom industries because it involves claims of political influence over business and news coverage.

Netanyahu also faces international charges. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for him and a former defense minister, accusing them of war crimes in Gaza.