Following a series of meetings in the United States, including his cordial meeting with American President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew back to Israel last night (between Saturday and Sunday). He is expected to land in Israel in the evening and attend a special Cabinet meeting scheduled for 8:00 PM. The meeting will discuss the establishment of a state commission of inquiry to investigate the October 7th events, as mandated by the Israeli Supreme Court judges.
Later this week, Netanyahu will convene the Security Cabinet to discuss the hostage deal – the continuation of Phase 1 of the ceasefire agreement and negotiations on Phase 2.
A source close to Netanyahu claimed this morning that as part of the hostage release negotiations, the possibility of extending Phase 1 of the hostage deal is being discussed. The source added that Mossad Director David Barnea is pleased with the anticipated appointment of Minister Ron Dermer to take primary responsibility for negotiations with Hamas, according to a report in Israel Hayom.
עוד באותו הנושא
- Israel Strengthens Global Alliances Amid Regional and International Challenges
- Hostages No More: IDF Returns Two Fallen Heroes from Gaza in Daring Operation
- Freed Hostage Turns Her Pain Into Strength at the UN Security Council
- On the 1st of Elul 1897, a National Return to the Land Joined the Spiritual Return to God
Hostage Release
Last night, hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levi, and Eli Sharabi were returned to Israel as part of the fifth phase of the hostage release deal. Upon their arrival in Israel, there were concerns about their health due to signs of malnutrition. The three were transferred to Sheba Hospital for medical tests and further evaluation.
Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed their return in a statement released from the U.S. “Or, Eli, and Ohad are home today. Sara and I embrace them, and their dear families,” he said. “Once again, we saw the true nature of Hamas monsters. These are the same monsters who massacred our civilians and tortured our hostages. I say to them again: their blood is on your hands.”
Netanyahu emphasized, “President Trump completely agrees with me: We will do everything to bring back all the hostages, but Hamas will not be part of it. We will eliminate Hamas and bring back our hostages. This is the directive – and that is what we will do.”
The Prime Minister stressed that Israel is determined to bring back all the hostages and ensure their safety. As part of the instructions given to the negotiation delegation, they were required to deliver a clear and unequivocal message to the mediators, emphasizing the paramount importance of this goal.
Watch the IDF preparations for returning hostages:
