Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, made headlines on July 16, 2025, by attending the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a rare act for an ambassador. His visit appears to align with the current U.S. administration's stance, particularly after President Donald Trump urged for a suspension of the trial.
Netanyahu is on trial for charges that include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. This legal battle has taken place during a challenging period for Israel, marked by military tensions and conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon following a violent Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Such interventions by ambassadors in judicial proceedings are uncommon, which highlights the significance of Huckabee's presence. Prior to his arrival at the courthouse, Huckabee referred to his attendance as “an act of friendship” and emphasized a desire for Israel’s success, while accusing the judiciary of bias against Netanyahu. He drew parallels between Netanyahu and Trump, who has faced his legal challenges, labeling his own convictions as unjust.
Huckabee voiced concerns over the unprecedented nature of the trial, where a sitting leader faces such severe allegations during a national crisis. Trump’s remarks about the trial have been equally controversial; he described it as a "Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister" in his recent messages, indicating strong support for Netanyahu as he battles these accusations.
Netanyahu is on trial for charges that include bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. This legal battle has taken place during a challenging period for Israel, marked by military tensions and conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon following a violent Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Such interventions by ambassadors in judicial proceedings are uncommon, which highlights the significance of Huckabee's presence. Prior to his arrival at the courthouse, Huckabee referred to his attendance as “an act of friendship” and emphasized a desire for Israel’s success, while accusing the judiciary of bias against Netanyahu. He drew parallels between Netanyahu and Trump, who has faced his legal challenges, labeling his own convictions as unjust.
Huckabee voiced concerns over the unprecedented nature of the trial, where a sitting leader faces such severe allegations during a national crisis. Trump’s remarks about the trial have been equally controversial; he described it as a "Witch Hunt against their Great War Time Prime Minister" in his recent messages, indicating strong support for Netanyahu as he battles these accusations.
