US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the ongoing corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling it a “political witch hunt” and asserting that the United States will “not stand” for it. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump highlighted the significant financial support the U.S. provides to Israel, stating, “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.”
Netanyahu, facing charges in three separate cases, is accused of accepting over $260,000 in luxury goods, including cigars, jewelry, and champagne, from billionaires in exchange for political favors. Additionally, he is alleged to have sought favorable coverage from two Israeli media outlets. The Israeli leader has denied all allegations.
On Friday, an Israeli court rejected Netanyahu’s request to delay his testimony, citing insufficient justification. His legal team argued he needed to focus on “security issues,” particularly amid ongoing conflicts and negotiations. Trump echoed this, claiming the trial distracts Netanyahu from critical talks with Iran, following a recent ceasefire, and Hamas, with whom Israel remains in conflict. However, Trump did not specify details of the alleged Iran negotiations.
Hamas, responsible for the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel that saw 251 hostages taken, still holds 49 captives, including 27 believed dead, according to Israeli military reports. Efforts to secure their release continue amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Trump, who has faced legal battles himself, including a May 2024 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, compared Netanyahu’s case to his own, calling both politically motivated. He described Netanyahu as a “War Hero” whose trial undermines regional stability.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude on X, saying, “Thank you again,” and vowing to work with Trump to “make the Middle East Great Again.”
