WASHINGTON US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the ongoing legal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling Washington’s growing frustration over the situation. Trump declared that the United States would “not stand by” while Netanyahu faces prosecution on multiple corruption charges.
Posting on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump wrote, “The United States spends billions of dollars every year supporting and protecting Israel, far more than any other nation. We are not going to stand for this.”
The statement follows an Israeli court ruling on Friday that denied Netanyahu’s request to delay his testimony in his high-profile trial. The judges stated that the prime minister had failed to provide sufficient justification for postponement.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, is facing three separate corruption cases. In one, prosecutors allege that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, received over US$260,000 worth of luxury gifts including cigars, champagne, and jewelry from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors.
In the other two cases, Netanyahu is accused of trying to influence Israeli media outlets to provide favorable coverage in return for regulatory benefits.
The embattled prime minister has repeatedly denied all allegations, labeling them politically motivated. His legal team recently argued for a temporary reprieve from court appearances, citing Israel’s current security challenges, particularly the ongoing military campaign against Iran and Hamas.
Trump has doubled down on his support for Netanyahu, drawing parallels between their legal battles. “This is nothing but a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, similar to what I had to endure,” Trump said, referencing his own legal woes.
The former US president was convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to hush money payments to an adult film actress. Trump is also entangled in federal cases, including allegations surrounding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Netanyahu’s Legal Troubles Amid Ongoing Conflict
The timing of Netanyahu’s corruption trial has sparked political tensions both in Israel and abroad. Trump warned that the proceedings risk distracting Netanyahu from critical negotiations involving Iran and Hamas, though specific details of these talks remain unclear.
“Netanyahu is a War Hero,” Trump declared on Saturday, claiming the trial would interfere with Israel’s efforts to address security threats from both Iran and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group based in Gaza.
Israel and Hamas remain locked in a brutal conflict that reignited after Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, taking 251 hostages. Israeli military sources report that 49 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including 27 confirmed dead.
Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining hostages and the return of the deceased. Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in Gaza show no signs of easing, drawing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Growing Tensions Between Legal Proceedings and Security Priorities
Netanyahu’s legal team contends that the trial is undermining his ability to focus on Israel’s security, especially amid delicate negotiations concerning hostages and broader regional stability.
Trump, whose relationship with Netanyahu has been marked by close cooperation, particularly during his first term, has become increasingly vocal in opposing the legal process against the Israeli leader.
Observers note that Trump’s remarks reflect not only his personal grievances with the judicial system but also a broader strategic calculus. With Israel engaged in conflicts on multiple fronts and US support playing a crucial role, Trump’s statements appear aimed at reinforcing Netanyahu’s position amid both legal and military challenges.
The unfolding situation places Israel at the intersection of domestic legal turmoil and escalating regional tensions, with Washington’s stance likely to further influence the complex dynamics at play.
