Efforts to secure the return of the hostages have reached a new phase: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Thursday evening with Yaron Or, father of hostage Avinatan Or, and Yitzhak Horn, father of Yair Horn (who has returned from captivity) and Eitan Horn (still held by Hamas). Netanyahu emphasized: “The return of the hostages is a mission this government will not abandon—efforts are ongoing around the clock, including in the past 24 hours.”
We Must Investigate the Truth
Netanyahu also addressed the growing calls for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7: “We must investigate the truth—everyone, from the prime minister on down: the IDF, Shin Bet, all the agencies must be held to account,” he stressed. He floated possible models for such a body: “One option—which I prefer not to pursue—is to establish a government-appointed commission, but that wouldn’t be accepted by much of the public. Another is a commission selected by the Supreme Court President, but that too might lack broad public support.”
Netanyahu proposed a parliamentary model: “One idea is to have equal representation from the coalition and opposition, and they would jointly issue the necessary reports. Another is to require a special majority of 80 Knesset members to determine the commission’s composition.”
This Will Happen Only After the War
Despite outlining potential paths, Netanyahu clarified: “The investigation will take place only after the war. I want it to be broadcast live, fully transparent to the public. Let the transcripts be made public—transcripts are good, because they make lying impossible.”
Grave Concern for the Life of Tamir Nimrodi
An Israeli official confirmed today that 21 hostages are known to be alive, but there is grave concern for the lives of three others—one Israeli and two foreign nationals. The Israeli hostage feared to be in critical condition is IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi, according to his mother, Herut, who spoke in an interview with Israeli news channel, Kan 11.
Tamir, 20, from Nirit, was abducted from a military base in the Gaza Envelope where he served as an IDF education NCO. He was kidnapped along with Ron Sherman z”l and Nick Beiser z”l, both of whom were murdered in captivity and whose bodies were later recovered.
Trump’s Visit Could Advance a Deal
A senior Israeli official noted that Trump’s upcoming visit may include discussion of a deal involving a ceasefire and the release of 10–11 hostages in exchange for halting combat operations: “Trump’s visit creates a significant opportunity for a breakthrough. We’re working to maximize the chances of reaching a deal before the visit concludes,” said the official.
U.S. Backs Gaza Humanitarian Aid—Without Reaching Hamas
U.S. State Department Spokeswoman Tami Bruce addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza: “We are just a few steps away from a solution that will allow the delivery of aid and food to Gaza’s civilians. The humanitarian fund for Gaza will announce this soon. We support delivering aid to those in need—without it reaching Hamas.”
