U.S. Ambassador Huckabee Attends Netanyahu Trial in Public Show of Support

In a striking political moment, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee appeared in court Wednesday in a rare show of public support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his ongoing criminal trial in Tel Aviv. Huckabee's visit, though brief, sent a resounding message: Washington’s top envoy stands with Netanyahu, echoing sentiments recently voiced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“This is a political witch-hunt. The president understands exactly what Netanyahu is going through,” Huckabee told reporters, referencing Trump’s own legal battles in the United States. His remarks mirrored Trump’s June call for the cancellation of the trial or a full pardon for Netanyahu, labeling the case “over NOTHING Cigars, Bugs Bunny Doll, etc.”

Netanyahu is currently on trial for alleged fraud and breach of trust in Case 1000, which centers on gifts he received from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan specifically cigars, champagne, and other favors. The prosecution claims these gifts came as Netanyahu allegedly pushed for legislation favorable to Milchan while also trying to assist him in renewing a U.S. visa.

Huckabee’s courtroom appearance came just as the proceedings began touching on sensitive diplomatic material, with references to calls Milchan allegedly made to both Netanyahu and then-U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro regarding the visa. When classified content came up, the hearing was closed to the public and then halted entirely as news broke of escalating violence in Syria.

The case raises difficult questions about the intersection of personal relationships and political influence. Netanyahu insists his actions were motivated by friendship and national interest, denying any wrongdoing. His testimony stressed that he had limited knowledge of Milchan’s visa issues, despite being a close friend.

The trial’s timing has drawn increasing political scrutiny, with critics of Trump’s and Huckabee’s remarks accusing them of overstepping into Israeli judicial sovereignty. But supporters argue that the trial represents an unjust campaign against one of Israel’s most consequential leaders.

For Netanyahu, the courtroom isn’t just a place of legal defense it’s become a political battlefield. And for Huckabee, his visit was more than symbolic. It was a direct expression of alliance, loyalty, and shared perspective between two embattled political figures.

Israel remains a country where justice and democratic norms are held with utmost importance but also where leaders, even under fire, are never abandoned by those who believe in their cause.

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