US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will involve itself in the legal cases against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he described as being treated unfairly. The remarks were made during an interview on the CBS program 60 Minutes that aired on Sunday.
Comments on Legal Proceedings and Ceasefire
“I don’t think they treat him very well. I think we’ll be involved in that to help him out a little bit, because I think it’s very unfair,” President Trump stated regarding Netanyahu’s multiple corruption trials. On the topic of Middle East peace, the US president characterized the current ceasefire, part of a 20-point plan he proposed, as “very solid” and “not fragile,” despite reported violations. He added a stark warning for Hamas, saying, “They’ll be eliminated. They know that.”
Relationship with Netanyahu and Broader Context
When questioned about pressuring Israel to recognize a Palestinian state, Trump reflected on his working relationship with Netanyahu. “I worked very well with him. I had to push him a little bit one way or the other. I think I did a great job in pushing,” he remarked. The Israeli prime minister, who faces a series of serious corruption allegations including bribery and fraud, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling his trial a political “witch hunt.”
International Legal Pressure
The legal pressures on Netanyahu extend beyond Israel’s borders. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for him and his former defense minister in late 2024 concerning the military campaign in Gaza. This development adds a significant international dimension to the challenges facing the Israeli leader, even as he receives vocal support from the US administration.