U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Israeli prosecutors over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, warning that the proceedings risk undermining crucial regional diplomacy. In a post on his Truth Social platform Saturday, Trump accused Israel’s legal system of “INSANITY” and said Washington would not “stand for” actions that compromise Netanyahu’s ability to lead amid escalating tensions with Hamas and Iran.
Netanyahu is scheduled to appear in court Monday for cross-examination, after judges denied a request to delay the hearing due to national security priorities following the recent 12-day conflict with Iran. He faces longstanding charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, all of which he denies. The trial, which began in 2020, stems from three separate criminal investigations.
“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,” Trump wrote, suggesting the legal proceedings could affect future U.S. support.
While Israeli prosecutors declined to respond to Trump’s remarks, his comments raised concern by tying U.S. military and financial aid to the status of Netanyahu’s legal troubles.
Trump, a vocal ally of Netanyahu, also claimed the prime minister is currently negotiating with Hamas, though he did not elaborate. On Friday, he said he believed a ceasefire in Gaza was within reach.
Hamas, which continues to hold Israeli hostages, has signaled openness to talks if a deal includes the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has maintained that a ceasefire would require Hamas to disarm—terms the group has rejected.
Netanyahu’s court appearance comes at a pivotal moment for Israeli diplomacy and national security. Earlier this month, coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities intensified regional instability, amplifying calls for a diplomatic resolution.
The prime minister now faces mounting pressure from both international partners and domestic critics as he juggles courtroom battles with high-stakes negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire.
