Netanyahu Trial Disrupted as Trump and Huckabee Rally Support Amid Gaza War and Syria Strikes

Watan-U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee arrived Wednesday at the Tel Aviv District Court for a hearing in the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling his support for the embattled leader.

When asked by journalists why he was attending the court session, Huckabee replied, “Why are you here? I wanted to see what’s happening. I assumed this is an open session.” However, once the closed hearing began, Huckabee was forced to leave the courtroom.

Earlier in the day, Huckabee had participated in a local Tel Aviv government conference. During the event, he sharply criticized the trial’s timing, stating, “Trying Netanyahu during wartime and amid negotiations for the release of hostages is highly unusual.” Huckabee claimed his attendance was a “personal decision, not instructed by President Donald Trump,” but emphasized that Trump “views Netanyahu as a friend.”

Trump Calls to Cancel Trial: Part of a Broader Deal?

Huckabee’s visit comes after repeated public calls by Trump to cancel the trial or issue a pardon for Netanyahu. Trump has argued the trial is politically motivated, focused on trivial matters like “cigars and a backgammon set” (allegedly received as bribes). He also referenced the ongoing war with Iran, asserting that Netanyahu “has done more than anyone” and that “Israel was saved by the U.S., and now it must save Netanyahu.”

Trump added, “I was shocked that the State of Israel, which has had such proud moments, continues its vicious campaign against the great war-time prime minister Netanyahu. Bibi and I have been through hell together.”

The trial session was cut short after Netanyahu received a note from his military secretary, Roman Gofman, prompting him to leave the room briefly. Upon return, the judges decided to adjourn the hearing.

The note came after Israeli-American humanitarian organization GHF reported the killing of 19 Palestinians near an aid distribution center in Khan Younis. The group claimed it had “reason to believe that armed Hamas members were in the crowd,” accusing them of “deliberately inciting chaos.”

War Developments in Syria Parallel Netanyahu Court Drama

Netanyahu’s court exit coincided with a new escalation in Syria. Israeli strikes continued against Syrian security forces, under the pretext of “protecting the Druze of Sweida.” Following the courtroom exit, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared, “The Syrian regime must withdraw its forces and leave the Druze of Sweida alone. We warned them—Israel won’t abandon the Druze in Syria.”

He added that the Israeli army would continue its assaults and “soon escalate operations if Damascus doesn’t heed the message.”

Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial Continues

Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are facing charges of receiving luxury gifts—including jewelry, champagne, and cigars—worth over $260,000 in exchange for political favors. He also faces charges related to alleged media manipulation, including efforts to secure favorable coverage from Walla and Yedioth Ahronoth in return for regulatory benefits.