Former US President Donald Trump has publicly called for the cancellation or pardon of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-standing corruption trial. In a series of social media posts, Trump described the trial as a "witch hunt" and praised Netanyahu as a "great hero" for his leadership during recent conflicts involving Israel.

Netanyahu, who has been on trial since 2020 facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, responded with gratitude, thanking Trump for his "tremendous support" for both himself and Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister has consistently denied the allegations against him, which have been a focal point of political tension in the country.

Trump's intervention has drawn criticism from Israeli opposition leaders, who argue that it undermines the independence of Israel's legal system. Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party, expressed concern over Trump's interference, suggesting it might be linked to broader geopolitical strategies, including pressure on Netanyahu regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The backdrop to these developments includes a recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, following a brief but intense exchange of hostilities. Trump's comments came shortly after he criticized Israel for post-ceasefire actions against Iran, highlighting the complex dynamics of US-Israel relations.

Netanyahu's trial has experienced delays due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which began after a deadly attack on October 7, 2023. Some critics suggest that the prolonged conflict may be a tactic to delay both elections and the conclusion of Netanyahu's legal proceedings.