Trump Slams Netanyahu Trial, Calls It a ‘Witch Hunt,’ Vows U.S. Won’t Tolerate It

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday strongly condemned the ongoing prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comparing it to his own legal troubles and warning that the United States “will not stand” for it.

“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 on his Truth Social platform.

His remarks came a day after an Israeli court rejected Netanyahu’s bid to delay his testimony in a long-running corruption trial. The court ruled that the prime minister had failed to provide sufficient grounds for postponement.

Netanyahu faces multiple charges in three separate cases, including allegations that he and his wife, Sara, received luxury gifts worth over $260,000—such as cigars, champagne, and jewelry—from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favors. He’s also accused of seeking favorable media coverage in exchange for regulatory benefits. Netanyahu has denied all allegations.

His defense team had asked the court for a two-week break from proceedings, citing the prime minister’s need to focus on national security matters, including Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas and rising tensions with Iran.

Trump reiterated his support for Netanyahu, whom he called a “War Hero,” and argued that the trial could undermine Israel’s efforts to handle negotiations with Iran and Hamas. “This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations,” he said, without elaborating on the nature of the Iran talks.

During its October 7, 2023, attack, Hamas took 251 hostages. Israeli authorities believe 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 presumed dead. Negotiations continue for the release of remaining hostages amid Israel’s intense military campaign in Gaza.

Trump also drew parallels between Netanyahu’s situation and his own legal battles. “It is a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT, very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure,” he wrote.

The former president was convicted in May 2024 on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in a case involving hush money payments to a porn star. He also faces multiple other federal charges, including allegations of attempting to overturn the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden.

Despite his legal setbacks, Trump remains a dominant figure in the Republican Party and is seeking a return to the White House in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.