Head of Republicans Overseas Israel warns Trump comments on PM’s trial could set dangerous precedent

By Jeremy Sharon

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26 June 2025, 12:52 pm

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Jeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter

Marc Zell, the head of Republicans Overseas Israel, attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting in the Knesset in Jerusalem, on August 7, 2024 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, criticizes US President Donald Trump for calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial to be canceled, saying it could set “a dangerous precedent” for US interference in Israel’s judicial processes.

“I am a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Netanyahu and believe that the legal proceedings against him are baseless and politically motivated — which is likely why President Trump issued such a strong statement criticizing the prosecution,” says Zell. He accuses the Democratic Party of doing “the exact same thing” to Trump.

“That said, Israel is a sovereign country. Its judicial system — for all its flaws — is solely its own responsibility.

“While the President of the United States is entitled to express his opinion, he must not interfere in ongoing legal proceedings in Israel. Doing so could set a very dangerous precedent. Likewise, Israel should not interfere in judicial processes taking place in the United States.”