Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump slammed the ongoing corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it a “political witch hunt” that risks derailing key diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
In a strongly worded post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump expressed frustration that Netanyahu is required to attend court proceedings even as he negotiates a potential deal with Hamas aimed at securing the release of hostages and reducing tensions in Gaza.
“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu. 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,” Trump wrote. “How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a courtroom all day long, over NOTHING — cigars, Bugs Bunny doll, etc.? It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT.”
Netanyahu is currently facing three separate cases — known as Case 1000, 2000, and 4000 — involving charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The trial, which began in May 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has stood trial while in office. Netanyahu has denied all allegations, dismissing them as “fake” and politically motivated.
Trump warned that what he described as judicial overreach could imperil broader regional negotiations.
“This travesty of ‘justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations,” he added. “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 ended the post with a rallying cry: “LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!”
In addition to the corruption charges, Netanyahu is also facing legal scrutiny from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including targeting civilians and imposing starvation tactics in Gaza.
Despite the growing legal challenges, Netanyahu is not required under Israeli law to resign unless convicted by the Supreme Court.
Earlier this week, Trump called for the “immediate” cancellation of the trial, reiterating that the proceedings are based on trivial accusations and are politically motivated. He accused Israeli prosecutors of launching a “horror show” against a sitting leader during a critical time for diplomacy.
Trump’s comments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza drawing international scrutiny and raising concerns about humanitarian fallout. Netanyahu’s trial continues in Jerusalem, even as his government navigates one of the most volatile moments in recent Israeli history.
