Trump: Netanyahu trial threatens Gaza ceasefire, regional diplomacy

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 03:48

US President Donald Trump warns that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s corruption trial is jeopardizing Gaza ceasefire talks and regional diplomacy.

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United States President Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, the United States, April 7, 2025. (AP)

United States President Donald Trump has again denounced the ongoing trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that the legal proceedings are not only unjust but dangerously disruptive to active ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and broader US-backed actions to reshape "the post-war Middle East."

“He (Netanyahu) is a War Hero… working with the United States to bring Great Success in getting rid of the dangerous Nuclear threat in Iran,” Trump said in a new Truth Social post.

“It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu… This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations,” he added.

Describing the trial as a “POLITICAL WITCH HUNT,” Trump compared it to his own legal battles in the US, ridiculing the charges linked to luxury gifts and alleged media influence.

The US president emphasized that Netanyahu is currently “in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas,” which includes a prisoner exchange and a potential ceasefire agreement.

“LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!” Trump declared.

Trump applies pressure for Gaza ceasefire

Trump’s rhetoric comes amid reports from Israel Hayom and Channel 12 that he is exerting heavy behind-the-scenes pressure on Netanyahu to halt the war in Gaza, following the brief but wide-scale aggression on Iran earlier this month.

Earlier this week, Trump told reporters he expected a ceasefire “within the next week,” and credited US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for crafting a framework that has brought the sides closer to a deal.

According to Israeli and US media, Netanyahu has begun signaling openness to ending the war, but only on terms that Hamas is unlikely to accept, a maneuver repeatedly used by Israeli authorities since the start of the aggression on Gaza.

Meanwhile, Hamas said it had accepted the Witkoff proposal, which includes a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian entry, and a professional civil administration for the Strip. However, it also accused Netanyahu of blocking serious progress and prolonging the suffering in Gaza.

Netanyahu trial continues despite US interference

Despite US pressure, Israeli courts have refused to delay Netanyahu’s trial. Judges recently denied a request for postponement, stating no adequate justification was provided. Netanyahu faces multiple charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust.

The trial continues even as the Israeli military claims to have “completed its operational goals” in Gaza, leaving further action in the hands of political leadership. Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu ally and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will travel to Washington this week to prepare for the prime minister’s anticipated July visit to the White House.

Talks will cover Gaza, hostages, regional normalization, and conditions for future U.S.–Iran diplomacy.