In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has publicly called for Israel to either "pardon" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or drop his ongoing corruption trial entirely. This appeal comes days after Trump criticized Israel’s military actions against Iran, indicating his ongoing engagement in international conflicts.

Netanyahu faces serious allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, charges he has denied since the trial began in 2020. In a show of solidarity, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Trump for his unwavering support for Israel and himself, claiming the two leaders have worked closely to tackle common threats.

However, Trump's comments ignited backlash from Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid, who stated that foreign intervention should not disrupt the legal processes of an independent nation. He suggested that Trump's intervention might be another strategic move aimed at influencing Israeli politics, particularly concerning the ongoing Gaza conflict and hostage situations.

The complexity of Netanyahu's trial is further heightened by the war with Hamas, which began escalating after the shocking attack on October 7, 2023. As military operations continue, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure not only from the legal front but also from the political turmoil that ensues during a national crisis.