For the second time within days, US President Donald Trump lambasts the ongoing criminal trial against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that it harms efforts to strike deals in Gaza and with Iran.
While not directly threatening the prosecution, Trump highlights the billions of dollars in US aid to Israel before declaring, “We are not going to stand for this.”
“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump writes on Truth Social.
“He is a war hero, and a prime minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States to bring great success in getting rid of the dangerous nuclear threat in Iran,” Trump continues.
“Importantly, he is right now in the process of negotiating a deal with Hamas, which will include getting the hostages back.”
“How is it possible that the prime minister of Israel can be forced to sit in a courtroom all day long, over nothing,” he adds, downplaying the charges against Netanyahu while calling the corruption trial a “witch hunt.”
“This travesty of ‘justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations,” Trump claims. “In other words, it is insanity doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu.”
“The United States of America spends billions of dollar(s) a year, far more than on any other nation, protecting and supporting Israel,” he adds
“We are not going to stand for this,” Trump says, adding that “this greatly tarnishes our victory. “Let Bibi go. He’s got a big job to do,” Trump adds.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv urging PM to finalize Gaza hostage release deal
Thousands of Israelis returned to Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and Begin Road on Saturday night for the first time in three weeks, reigniting weekly demonstrations in support of a hostage deal and protest of the government’s handling of the war.
There has been talk in recent days of Jerusalem and Washington making a push to end the war in Gaza in the coming weeks with a deal that will see the return of all 50 remaining hostages, though there is no official confirmation.
US President Donald Trump on Friday said he thought a ceasefire would be reached “within the next week.”
One of the five IDF soldiers freed from Hamas captivity during the temporary truce between January and March gave a heartfelt address to around 2,000 people gathered at Hostages Square. In his speech, he urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to match his bold actions on Iran with an equally courageous step to secure a ceasefire and ensure the return of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza.
“In the past two weeks, Iran has dominated the headlines, while my brothers and sisters have been forgotten,” said Albag, referencing Israel’s recent 12-day conflict with Tehran, which concluded on Tuesday with a ceasefire brokered by the United States. “Fifty lives, fifty unique worlds — it’s time to bring them home.”
Earlier in the evening, the families of those still held captive issued a unified appeal, urging an immediate end to the war and the swift implementation of a comprehensive agreement to bring their loved ones home.
“They are running out of time — but there’s still a chance to save them,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son, Matan Zangauker, remains in captivity.
Yehuda Cohen, father of abducted soldier Nimrod Cohen, reinforced the message: “A deal exists — we must not let this moment pass us by. Now is the time for a broad and final agreement. This reflects the people’s will and serves Israel’s national interest,” he said, directing his final words to his son. “Nimrod, we’re almost there. Stay strong, my son.”
“According to the Witkoff framework, half the hostages stay behind,” he said, comparing the phased release to the Nazi “selection” that doomed some at concentration camps to death.
“It’s impossible to explain why the prime minister always chooses to release the hostages piecemeal,” Horn added.
It is believed that Hamas demands such phased releases to ensure Israel lives up to its side of the agreements.
Saturday’s demonstrations were the first weekend protests in three weeks, with rallies paused due to Israel’s war with Iran and the prohibition on large gatherings amid repeated missile attacks.
