Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Thursday with U.S. President Donald Trump, who will arrive in Israel on Sunday following the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and invited him to address the Knesset, according to a source familiar with the details.
“The two had a very emotional and warm conversation, congratulating each other on the historic achievement of signing the agreement for the release of all the hostages,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for all his efforts and for his global leadership, and President Trump congratulated the Prime Minister for his determined leadership and the actions he led. The two agreed to continue their close cooperation.”
1 View gallery
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump
(Photo: Alex Brandon/AP)
The conversation took place shortly after Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of his plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!"
Trump receives note from Marco Rubio, announces: “We’re close to a Middle East deal”
Netanyahu responded: “Through steadfast determination, powerful military action and the great efforts of our dear friend and ally, President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, partnership and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and the freedom of our hostages. God bless Israel, God bless America and God bless our great alliance.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also welcomed the deal, writing overnight: “We’re holding our breath for our children. Thank you, President Trump. The sons will return to their borders.”
Hamas confirmed the agreement as well, expressing gratitude to Trump and to the Arab and Muslim countries involved. The terrorist group’s statement called on the international community to ensure that Israel abides by the terms of the deal.
According to the Associated Press, the release of 20 living hostages is expected by Sunday, with Israeli officials saying it could happen as early as Saturday. All releases will occur in a single stage. Hamas pledged to return the remains of deceased hostages whose locations are known with certainty, though the group claimed it does not know the whereabouts of nine out of 28. A source familiar with the details added that Hamas also agreed to refrain from holding public ceremonies marking the hostages’ release.