Trump Says "Netanyahu Should Be Released as Israeli Prime Minister"... Repeats 'Interference in Domestic Affairs'

"Threatening Remarks" Including
"We Provide Israel with Billions of Dollars in Support"

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing criticism for "interference in domestic affairs" as he makes significant efforts to defend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he closely cooperated during the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

On the 28th (local time), President Trump wrote on his social media platform, "What they are doing to Bibi Netanyahu in Israel is terrible," and added, "Let Bibi go, he has a lot to do." 'Bibi' is Netanyahu's nickname, and Trump's remarks suggest that Israel should exonerate Netanyahu, who is standing trial in his home country on charges of personal corruption.

President Trump called Prime Minister Netanyahu a "war hero" and argued, "How can a prime minister who accomplished the incredible feat of eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat in cooperation with the United States have to sit in court all day over trivial matters?"

He claimed that what Netanyahu is experiencing is a "political witch hunt" similar to what he himself had to endure, and criticized, "The out-of-control prosecutors are doing crazy things to Netanyahu." He also said that Netanyahu is currently engaged in important hostage negotiations with Hamas, and that these proceedings will hinder those negotiations. In particular, Trump made a threatening remark, stating, "The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in annual support," and "We will not stand idly by."

Prime Minister Netanyahu is on trial on charges of accepting bribes from businessmen seeking favorable tax legislation. He is also suspected of receiving kickbacks totaling $65 million (about 94.5 billion won) from Qatar.

There is criticism that President Trump's actions are inappropriate, as it appears the U.S. leader is trying to influence the judiciary of another country. Intervening or exerting undue pressure on the political, judicial, or policy decisions of another sovereign nation is considered a taboo and may be regarded as interference in domestic affairs in the context of international relations.