Trump defends Netanyahu, attacks Israeli prosecutors over corruption trial
Posting on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump lashed out at Israeli authorities for undermining Netanyahu's ability to negotiate with the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza and manage mounting tensions with Iran.
'It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,' Trump wrote, referring to the Israeli leader with his nickname and claiming his trial would obstruct peace efforts in the region.
'The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year … protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,' he added.
Netanyahu is set to take the stand on Monday for cross-examination in a long-running corruption case that began in 2020.
He faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which he denies. His lawyers had requested a two-week delay in testimony, citing national security demands following Israel's recent 12-day conflict with Iran. That appeal was rejected on Friday.
Members of Israel's Knesset have accused Netanyahu of using the regional conflicts to secure an end to his corruption trial.
'[Netanyahu] is conditioning the future of Israel and our children on his trial,' Naama Lazimi, Knesset member from the Democrats Party, told The Times of Israel newspaper.
Karine Elharrar, Knesset member from Yesh Atid party, warned that Netanyahu is 'acting against the Israeli public interest' by linking his legal fate with captive negotiations and regional normalisation agreements.
ICC arrest warrant
Netanyahu's legal troubles include an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued last year for him and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant.
The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's war on Gaza, beginning in October 2023. Both leaders have called the arrest warrant 'anti-Semitic'.
Trump's comments come just days after he suggested a ceasefire deal with Hamas may be close.
Speaking to reporters, he claimed Netanyahu was engaged in negotiations with the Palestinian group, though no further details were provided.
Hamas has stated it would free remaining Israeli captives in Gaza as part of a deal to end the war, but has rejected Israeli demands for total disarmament.
Netanyahu responded to Trump's defence with a post on X: 'Thank you again, @realDonaldTrump. Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again!'
Calls for Netanyahu to resign
The political turmoil in Israel has deepened, with renewed calls for Netanyahu's resignation. In a televised interview with Channel 12, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said it was time for Netanyahu to step aside.
'He has been in power for 20 years … that's too much,' said Bennett. 'He bears heavy responsibility for the divisions in Israeli society.'
Bennett, who has taken a break from politics, is reportedly eyeing a return, with polls suggesting he could challenge Netanyahu once more.
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