Trump calls Netanyahu corruption trial a ‘political witch hunt'
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump strongly defended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, denouncing his ongoing corruption trial as a 'political witch hunt' that threatens to undermine key negotiations involving Iran and Hamas.
'It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'He is a War Hero, and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring Great Success in getting rid of the dangerous Nuclear threat in Iran.'
The U.S. president also cited Netanyahu's role in negotiations to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, questioning why the Israeli leader 'can be forced to sit in a Courtroom all day long, over NOTHING (Cigars, Bugs Bunny Doll, etc.).'
Trump likened the proceedings against Netanyahu to his own legal battles, calling the Israeli prosecution 'INSANITY' and warning that it could 'interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations.'
'The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,' Trump added. 'LET BIBI GO, HE'S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!'
Trump had previously urged Israeli authorities to dismiss Netanyahu's case altogether, citing his wartime leadership and recent Israeli military victories.
The Israeli prime minister is currently on trial in three separate corruption cases—known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000—filed in 2019. He is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, charges he vehemently denies. The trial, which began in May 2020, has seen Netanyahu become the first sitting Israeli prime minister to take the stand as a criminal defendant.
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not required to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court, a process that could take many months.
Separately, Netanyahu also faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November for alleged atrocities in Gaza, where more than 56,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 7, 2023.
On Friday, Israel's Attorney General rejected Netanyahu's request to delay his trial for two weeks, after the prime minister claimed he needed to focus on national security matters following recent Israeli strikes on Iran and efforts to return hostages from Gaza. — Agencies
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