Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement acknowledging the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the recent release of Israeli hostages from Gaza.
According to the statement, Netanyahu “greatly appreciates the leadership of President Trump and the ongoing coordination with the United States” regarding the efforts that led to the hostages’ release.
Netanyahu’s office attributed the release of three Israeli hostages to a combination of increased IDF military presence around the Gaza Strip and what it described as the “aggressive stance of President Trump,” despite Hamas previously refusing to release them.
The statement also noted that Netanyahu “appreciates the president’s full support for Israel’s decisions regarding the Gaza Strip going forward.”
This remark referenced an earlier statement made by Trump on Saturday, in which he said Israel must now decide how to respond after Hamas failed to release all remaining hostages as demanded. Trump also assured that the United States would back whatever course of action Israel chooses.
Netanyahu is expected to convene the political-security cabinet soon to determine Israel’s next steps.
