Netanyahu thanks Trump over trial support, vows to "defeat enemies together"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for publicly backing him and calling for an immediate end to Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial.

“Thank you, President Trump, for your touching support of me and your tremendous support for Israel and the Jewish people,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on X on June 26, Caliber.Az reports. 

The Israeli prime minister also noted that the two countries will continue working together “to defeat our common enemies, free our hostages, and quickly expand the circle of peace.”

Earlier, Trump, in a lengthy message posted on Truth Social, sharply criticised the Israeli judicial process, describing the case against Netanyahu as a “ridiculous Witch Hunt” and calling for it to be “canceled, immediately, or a pardon given to a Great Hero.” 

He praised Netanyahu as a “warrior” and “one of the greatest wartime prime ministers” Israel has had, crediting him with defending the country against threats from Iran.

Trump further claimed that Netanyahu’s prosecution was politically motivated, referencing what he described as trivial allegations, including “cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges.”

The Israeli prime minister is currently on trial for charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, known collectively as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. The indictments, handed down in 2019, accuse Netanyahu of accepting lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen and attempting to manipulate media coverage in exchange for regulatory or political favours. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Netanyahu's trial began in 2020, marking the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has stood trial while in office. The proceedings are ongoing.

The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, condemned Trump’s remarks, stating that the US president “should not intervene in a legal process of an independent state.”

By Sabina Mammadli