Trump’s Pledge to ‘Save’ Netanyahu Raises Concerns in Israel

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    In recent developments between the United States and Israel, President Donald Trump has taken a surprising stance on the legal proceedings of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging for his corruption trial to be dismissed. Trump’s vocal interference has stirred significant discussions within Israel, unsettling its political figures just after his military actions against Iran received widespread accolades.

    In a bold social media proclamation, Trump denounced the trial, labeling it a “WITCH HUNT,” and declared that the United States would be the force to “save” Netanyahu from corruption charges. This statement came soon after Trump halted planned Israeli air strikes on Iran to maintain a ceasefire. Such direct engagement in Israeli affairs marks a shift from previous U.S. administrations, which typically respected Israel’s sovereignty in making its own decisions. While Netanyahu seems to enjoy support from a majority of Israelis, Trump’s intervention has added another layer of complexity.

    Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed that although Trump’s support was appreciated, he should not intervene in Israel’s independent legal processes. Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform echoed language familiar to both him and Netanyahu, describing themselves as victims of political persecution and biased media. Trump’s assertion was that the trial should be canceled or Netanyahu should be pardoned, stating the U.S. had saved Israel before and would now do so again for Netanyahu.

    The support from Netanyahu’s camp was swift, with allies praising Trump’s remarks. Gideon Saar, a former Netanyahu rival turned ally, agreed that the trial was damaging Israel’s reputation, questioning if Trump’s call for annulment or pardon was unjustified. Netanyahu himself responded to Trump’s support with gratitude, emphasizing their strong ties and Trump’s significant backing for Israel and its people.

    Netanyahu, a contentious figure within Israeli politics, holds the record as the only sitting Israeli prime minister to be prosecuted, facing accusations of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery across several cases. These charges arose from allegations of favor exchanges with affluent political backers. Netanyahu’s defense in court began recently, with delays following conflicting schedules due to geopolitical crises like the Hamas attack from the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Netanyahu defends his actions as efforts for Israel’s survival, alleging his opponents are trying to oust him through legal channels after failing in elections during his extensive tenure.

    President Trump remains a beloved figure among Netanyahu supporters and many Israelis, attributed mostly to his unprecedented support for Israel, including backing its territorial claims and facilitating the Abraham Accords normalizing relations with several Arab nations. Recently, he also authorized military actions targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which Israel perceives as a potential existential threat.

    Despite the general admiration for Trump, his recent comments have sparked unease even among his proponents. Simcha Rotman, a right-wing lawmaker instrumental in Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, acknowledged potential issues within Israel’s justice system but stressed that U.S. presidential involvement in legal matters should be avoided. The unfolding situation continues to fuel both support and controversy amid Israeli and U.S. relations.