Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded President-elect Donald Trump for his instrumental role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The agreement, which includes a temporary cessation of hostilities and a structured hostage and prisoner exchange, is set to begin Sunday.
“From the moment he was elected, President Trump has been involved in the mission for the release of our hostages. He spoke with me Wednesday evening,” Netanyahu stated in a Saturday announcement. “He welcomed the agreement and rightly emphasized that the first stage of the agreement is a temporary ceasefire. That is what he said, a temporary ceasefire.’”
Credit and Transition of Negotiations
President Trump, who will inherit ongoing negotiations from the Biden administration on Monday, credited his recent election win as a strong influence on the deal’s success. Both Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden have offered full backing for Israel’s right to resume military action if the second stage of negotiations proves ineffective.
“Both President Trump and President Biden have given full backing to Israel’s right to return to fighting if Israel concludes that second-stage negotiations are ineffectual. I greatly appreciate this,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister also expressed gratitude for Trump’s decision to lift remaining restrictions on the provision of essential weapons and munitions to Israel, a move expected to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities.
Israel’s Military Stance and Global Criticism
Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have drawn significant international criticism due to extensive casualties and destruction. He argued that these measures were necessary to protect Israel and to enhance its global defense standing.
“Citizens of Israel, the War of Redemption has demanded of us tough decisions, but it is in the decisions that leadership is tested,” Netanyahu stated. “We were decisions that took into account our comprehensive national and security considerations. I regret that I cannot detail all of me to you here.”
Netanyahu referenced the October 7 attack by Hamas as a turning point that required decisive action. “On October 7, we took a severe blow. We experienced terrible pain. With joint forces, we repelled our enemies and achieved considerable results. The entire world, friends and enemies alike, has been impressed by the historic achievements.”
Moving Forward
As the ceasefire agreement takes effect, all eyes will be on the next phase of negotiations. The international community—and the new U.S. administration—will play a critical role in ensuring the stability of a fragile truce and the potential for a long-term conflict resolution.
