Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump strongly criticized Israeli prosecutors on Saturday, condemning the ongoing corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and suggesting it could jeopardize critical diplomatic efforts amid heightened regional tensions.
Netanyahu, who has long denied any wrongdoing, is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases dating back to 2019. The high-profile trial formally began in 2020.
On Friday, Netanyahu's legal team requested a two-week delay in his upcoming testimony, citing urgent diplomatic and security matters following the recent 12-day military escalation between Israel and Iran. The court, however, rejected the request, setting the stage for Netanyahu to appear for cross-examination on Monday.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump called the legal proceedings against Netanyahu "INSANITY," asserting that the prosecution was interfering with Netanyahu’s ability to manage sensitive negotiations with both Hamas and Iran. Trump’s post marked his second public defense of the Israeli leader in recent days.
The president also drew a direct link between the U.S.'s substantial financial support to Israel and the ongoing legal case, 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.”
Trump went further to claim that Netanyahu was currently engaged in negotiations with Hamas, though he did not provide details. A day earlier, Trump had told reporters that a ceasefire deal in the region was near.
The developments come amid growing international interest in ending the conflict in Gaza. Hamas has indicated willingness to release remaining hostages in exchange for an end to hostilities, while Israel maintains that the war can only conclude if Hamas is fully dismantled — a condition the militant group has rejected.
Tensions have further escalated following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, adding urgency to efforts to broker peace.
