Overview

• U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee unexpectedly appeared at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing trial in Tel Aviv and was asked to leave when proceedings moved behind closed doors.
• The trial, launched in 2020, covers three cases accusing Netanyahu of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust over illicit gifts, media deals, and legislation favoring a telecom stakeholder.
• President Trump has repeatedly denounced the proceedings as a “witch-hunt,” publicly calling for the case’s cancellation or for Netanyahu to be pardoned.
• Huckabee, confirmed as ambassador in April after a contentious Senate vote, has prioritized executing presidential directives over independent diplomatic assessments.
• Israeli President Isaac Herzog retains the sole authority to grant clemency but has stated a pardon of Netanyahu is not currently under consideration.