Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for publicly supporting him during his ongoing corruption trial. In a social media post, Netanyahu pledged solidarity with Trump, declaring, “Together, we will make the Middle East great again.”
This statement followed Trump’s fierce criticism of Israeli prosecutors, accusing them of conducting a “political witch hunt” against Netanyahu. Trump also linked the trial to U.S. foreign aid, asserting that Washington, which provides billions of dollars in support to Israel annually, should not tolerate what he called a “travesty of justice.”
Netanyahu, who has led Israel through numerous crises, was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. He denies all allegations. The trial, involving three separate cases, began in 2020. On Friday, an Israeli court rejected a defense request to delay his cross-examination, citing pressing diplomatic and security issues following the recent 12-day conflict with Iran. Netanyahu is scheduled to testify on Monday.
Trump’s Defense of Netanyahu
On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to defend Netanyahu. He wrote:
“It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu. He is a war hero and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to eliminate the dangerous nuclear threat from Iran.”
Trump warned that Netanyahu’s courtroom obligations could interfere with sensitive negotiations involving Iran and Hamas, especially those concerning hostage returns. Ridiculing the charges, he added:
“How is it possible that the Prime Minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a courtroom all day long, over NOTHING—cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, etc.?”
Drawing parallels with his own legal troubles, Trump claimed the trial against Netanyahu was “very similar” to the one he faced. Trump himself was convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records in a high-profile hush-money case involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Trump argued that Israel’s internal judicial process could sabotage international peace efforts, saying:
“This travesty of ‘justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. In other words, it is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu.”
He also emphasized the financial support the U.S. provides to Israel:
“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.”
“We just had a great victory with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the helm—and this greatly tarnishes our victory. LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO,” he added.
Second Statement in Days
This was Trump’s second defense of Netanyahu in just a few days. Earlier, he had expressed shock that Israel was continuing what he called a “ridiculous witch hunt” against their “great wartime Prime Minister.”
As Netanyahu prepares for his court appearance amid regional volatility, Trump’s vocal support further deepens the intersection of Israeli domestic politics and American foreign policy dynamics.
