Fact Check: Netanyahu thanks Trump for support amid his corruption trial and war with Iran
What We Know
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called for the cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial, describing it as a "WITCH HUNT" and suggesting that the U.S. would "save" Netanyahu from serious charges (AP News). In response, Netanyahu expressed gratitude, stating he was "deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people" (BBC). This exchange occurred against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Iran, where Trump had previously intervened to halt an Israeli bombing raid to maintain a ceasefire (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support is substantiated by multiple sources. Trump's social media post not only condemned the trial but also framed it within the context of his longstanding support for Netanyahu and Israel (Reuters). Netanyahu's acknowledgment of Trump's support indicates a reciprocal relationship, where both leaders benefit politically from their alliance.
However, the context of Trump's intervention has raised concerns among some Israeli politicians, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, who criticized Trump's involvement as inappropriate interference in an independent legal process (BBC). This criticism reflects a broader unease within Israeli political circles regarding the implications of U.S. involvement in domestic judicial matters.
The reliability of the sources reporting this information is generally high, with established news organizations like the Associated Press, BBC, and Reuters providing detailed coverage of the events. Each source corroborates the key elements of the claim, including Trump's statements and Netanyahu's response.
Conclusion
The claim that Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support amid his corruption trial and the ongoing conflict with Iran is True. The evidence clearly shows that Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Trump's public support, which was framed within a broader context of U.S.-Israeli relations and Trump's controversial comments regarding the trial.
