Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his gratitude to both US President-elect Donald Trump and US President Joe Biden for their assistance in advancing a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. Netanyahu's office released a statement on Wednesday detailing the conversations he had with both leaders.
During his call with Trump, Netanyahu thanked him for his efforts in advancing the release of the hostages and for aiding Israel in ending the suffering of the hostages and their families. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to bringing back all the hostages by any means necessary. The Israeli Prime Minister also welcomed Trump's assurance that the United States would collaborate with Israel to prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist haven again. Plans for a meeting in Washington, DC, were also discussed between Netanyahu and Trump.
Netanyahu also had a 'very warm call' with President Biden, where he expressed his appreciation for Biden's assistance in advancing the hostage deal. However, no further details of their conversation were disclosed in the statement released by Israel.
A senior Biden Administration official informed reporters that during the call between Netanyahu and Biden, the leaders reflected on the challenges Israel has faced since October 7th and the hardships endured by the hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza. President Biden, who has a longstanding relationship with Netanyahu spanning over four decades, has emphasized the importance of supporting Israel in times of crisis.
Netanyahu's outreach to both Trump and Biden underscores the collaborative efforts between Israel and the United States in addressing critical issues such as hostage situations and regional security. The diplomatic exchanges between the leaders signal a commitment to strengthening ties and promoting peace in the Middle East.
