Warns of interference in Iran, Hamas negotiations; invokes US aid to Israel
US President Donald Trump has once again come to the defence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denouncing the ongoing corruption trial against him as a politically motivated “witch hunt” that endangers critical regional negotiations and undermines US interests.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said it was “terrible” that Netanyahu, whom he called a “war hero” and a “fabulous” prime minister, is being forced to attend court proceedings amid sensitive negotiations involving Hamas and Iran.
“How is it possible that the prime minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a courtroom all day long, over nothing?” Trump wrote, referring to Netanyahu’s trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. “This travesty of ‘justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations.”
The US president said Netanyahu was working to finalise a deal with Hamas that could result in the release of Israeli hostages and also help contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions — a matter of growing concern among Western powers. “He is right now in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, which will include getting the hostages back,” Trump said.
Trump also referred to Netanyahu’s past efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear programme, crediting the Israeli premier for working closely with the US to neutralise threats posed by Tehran.
While stopping short of directly criticising the Israeli judiciary, Trump invoked America’s significant military and financial support to Israel, stating that “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,” he warned, suggesting that the prosecution of Netanyahu could strain ties with Washington. “This greatly tarnishes our victory. Let Bibi go. He’s got a big job to do.”
This marks the second time in recent days that Trump has spoken publicly against the legal proceedings involving Netanyahu. His comments come as the Israeli leader remains entangled in a lengthy trial that has gripped Israeli politics for years and raised questions about the separation of powers in the country.
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing and has repeatedly claimed that the charges against him are part of a politically orchestrated campaign aimed at removing him from power.
Trump’s remarks follow statements by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who warned that Iran could resume high-level uranium enrichment “within months” if tensions continue to escalate. The IAEA has expressed concern over reduced oversight in Iran’s nuclear facilities, adding pressure on international efforts to revive nuclear diplomacy.
Observers note that Trump’s intervention could complicate Israel’s internal judicial process, but also reflects growing unease among US conservatives about Netanyahu’s legal troubles, particularly at a time of regional instability.