Trump defends Netanyahu, calls trial against him "political witch hunt”

US President Donald Trump has come to the defence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticising the ongoing corruption trial against the Israeli leader and calling it a politically motivated attack that could undermine critical negotiations in the Middle East.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a "political witch hunt," comparing them to his own legal challenges in the United States, Caliber.Az reports. 

“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump wrote, referring to the prime minister by his widely known nickname. He praised Netanyahu as a "war hero" and commended his past cooperation with the United States in countering Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Trump also voiced concern that the trial could derail the process of negotiations to broker a deal with Hamas that includes the return of hostages.

“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.]?” he wrote. “This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations.”

He further warned that the United States, which provides billions of dollars in aid to Israel annually, "is not going to stand for this," claiming the legal process tarnishes what he called a "great victory" for Israel under Netanyahu’s leadership.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is currently standing trial on three charges: bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The charges stem from allegations that he accepted expensive gifts from wealthy associates and sought favourable media coverage in exchange for regulatory and political favours. Netanyahu, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claims the indictments are part of a politically motivated effort by law enforcement and prosecutors to remove him from power.

His trial, which began in 2020, marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has faced criminal prosecution while in office. The case remains ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli