Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he was “deeply moved” by U.S. President Donald Trump‘s support after Trump demanded that Israel drop its ongoing legal case against its prime minister.
Why It Matters
Israel and the United States share a close relationship, with the U.S. providing the country with billions in military aid and significant diplomatic support. Last weekend, the relationship went further with Trump ordering the bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran, nearly two weeks after Israel had begun strikes on the country.
A ceasefire between Iran and Israel is in place currently, though there are mounting concerns over its longevity.
Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate cases. The longtime Israeli leader, who has denied all allegations, is due to return to court on Monday. Separately, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza amid Israel’s war with Hamas.
Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images
What to Know
On Thursday, Netanyahu shared one of Trump’s Truth Social posts on X (formerly Twitter). The U.S. president said in his Wednesday message that he was “shocked” to hear that Israel was continuing its trial of Netanyahu, which he branded “politically motivated” and a “Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister.”
Trump underlined Netanyahu’s efforts “fighting a very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran,” calling the Israeli leader “a WARRIOR” who could not have been “stronger in his LOVE for the incredible Holy Land.”
He argued that the trial should be “CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero,” adding that “now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu,” using a common nickname for the leader.
Netanyahu thanked Trump on X, writing, “I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people.”
He continued, “I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace.”
The legal proceedings against Netanyahu began in 2020, and since then, more than 100 witnesses, including some of his closest former allies, have testified. Prosecutors say he traded regulatory favors with media executives for positive coverage and accepted expensive gifts from a billionaire.
Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli leader to testify as a defendant in a criminal case. He is also the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, having served a total of 17 years across three terms.
His policies and politics have been divisive. Some Israelis have called for an end to the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and prioritize the return of the Israeli hostages held there. Others have supported his ground and air campaigns in securing Israel from Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist group by the U.S.
What People Are Saying
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, on X: “So when the President of the United States calls for the trial to be canceled or for a pardon—is there anyone who can say he is wrong?”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid told Ynet in Hebrew: “…with all due respect to Trump – he should not interfere in a legal process in an independent country. I assume this is compensation he is giving him because he is going to bend him on the Gaza issue and end the war. That suits Trump.”
Gilad Kariv, a member of the Democrats party in the Knesset, on X: “Mr. President, the Jewish tradition teaches us that no person is above the law. Not even a prime minister. We have instilled this important principle in the laws of our Jewish-democratic state. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting the State of Israel and our security. Please continue to assist us in bringing back the hostages and ending the war in Gaza.”
What Happens Next
The ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains fragile. Trump said the U.S. and Iran are due to hold new talks about the country’s nuclear capabilities
“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran,” Trump said at the NATO summit in the Netherlands on Wednesday. “We may sign an agreement. I don’t know.”
Update 6/26/25, 4:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
