U.S. President Donald Trump harshly criticized Israeli prosecutors over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, asserting that the legal proceedings threaten to undermine regional diplomacy during a sensitive period.
Netanyahu, who was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust—all of which he denies—is scheduled for cross-examination on Monday. A court recently denied a request by his legal team to postpone testimony due to ongoing diplomatic activity following the recent 12-day conflict with Iran.
Calling the prosecution “INSANITY,” Trump posted on Truth Social that it interferes with Netanyahu’s ability to negotiate with Hamas and Iran. He further tied the issue to U.S. foreign aid:
“The United States of America spends Billions of Dollars a year… protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this.”
Netanyahu responded on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Trump:
“Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again!”
Trump’s remarks mark a rare intervention by a sitting U.S. president into a close ally’s domestic legal affairs. The Israeli prosecutor’s office declined to comment.
The trial proceeds as ceasefire discussions with Hamas remain ongoing. Trump claimed a deal is near, but both parties remain at odds over disarmament conditions.