Trump Defends Netanyahu, But At What Cost?

U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm with a fiery online tirade against Israeli prosecutors over the ongoing corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, June 29, 2025, Trump branded the proceedings as “insanity,” suggesting they not only weaken Netanyahu’s leadership during a time of regional crisis but could also jeopardize American financial support for Israel.

“It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump wrote, using the Israeli leader’s popular nickname.

“The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year … protecting and supporting Israel.

“We are not going to stand for this.”

Trump’s comments come just days before Netanyahu is scheduled to take the stand for cross-examination in a corruption case that has dogged him since 2020.

The Israeli prime minister faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, allegations he vehemently denies.

His legal team recently requested a two-week delay in testimony, citing national security concerns following a 12-day military standoff with Iran.

That request was denied by the court on Friday.

Trump Ties Trial to Peace Efforts

Trump, who has long maintained close ties with Netanyahu, framed the corruption case as a direct threat to Israel’s regional stability and peace efforts.

He referenced particularly the ongoing negotiations with the Palestinian group Hamas.

“This trial weakens Bibi at a time when he’s negotiating with Hamas and dealing with Iran. It’s madness,” Trump claimed.

Trump also suggested a ceasefire with Hamas might be on the horizon, although he offered no specifics.

Netanyahu, for his part, publicly thanked Trump on social media platform X, saying, “Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again!”

Israeli Lawmakers Push Back

Trump’s intervention has stirred controversy not just abroad but within Israel itself.

Some members of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, accused Netanyahu of exploiting regional crises to manipulate his legal predicament.

“Netanyahu is conditioning the future of Israel and our children on his trial,” said Naama Lazimi, a Knesset member from the Democrats Party, in an interview with The Times of Israel.

Karine Elharrar of the centrist Yesh Atid party echoed that sentiment.

She warned that Netanyahu is “acting against the Israeli public interest” by tying his political and legal fate to sensitive national security issues.

These, according to her, include hostage negotiations and diplomatic normalization efforts.

ICC Warrant Adds to Legal Pressure

Netanyahu’s legal woes extend beyond his domestic trial.

Last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for both Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

It accused them of war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza that began in October 2023.

The Israeli government has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and anti-Semitic.

However, the international pressure adds another layer of complexity to an already precarious situation.

This is especially as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and manages strained relations with global powers.

Calls for Resignation Grow Louder

As Netanyahu prepares to take the stand, calls for his resignation are intensifying.

In a recent interview with Israel’s Channel 12, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said it was time for Netanyahu to step aside.

“He has been in power for 20 years … that’s too much,” Bennett said.

“He bears heavy responsibility for the divisions in Israeli society.”

Bennett, who has stepped away from frontline politics, is reportedly considering a political comeback.

Polls suggest he could once again emerge as a viable challenger to Netanyahu, should new elections be called.

A Divided Israel, a Complicated Ally

Trump’s outspoken defense of Netanyahu and his implicit threat to U.S. aid marks a new chapter in the ongoing intersection of American and Israeli politics.

While Netanyahu welcomes the support, critics argue that such statements undermine Israel’s judicial independence and further politicize an already polarizing trial.

With Netanyahu’s court appearance looming and pressure mounting from both domestic and international fronts, Israel finds itself at a political crossroads.

It is one where legal accountability, regional diplomacy, and global alliances are all colliding.

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