The US President spoke with the Prime Minister, after his announcement that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of his plan. As reported on Ynet yesterday, Trump will arrive in Israel after the signing of the deal, accept Netanyahu's invitation, and address the Knesset. According to sources, he is also interested in meeting with the kidnapped who will be released, if their situation allows it. The families' headquarters also invited him to speak at the Kidnapped Square:"You kept your promise."
Itamar Eichner
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke tonight (between Wednesday and Thursday) with US President Donald Trump, who, according to a source familiar with the details, will arrive in Israel on Sunday, after signing a deal - as
Published on Ynet
Already yesterday afternoon. In the conversation, Netanyahu invited Trump to speak before the Israeli Knesset, which is expected to happen during his visit, probably on the same day. In addition, it was learned that Trump is interested in meeting with hostages who will be released, if their physical and mental health allows it.
Trump's visit to Israel is expected to be a very complex operation from a logistical and security perspective. It is not yet clear where he will be staying. His arrival will require, among other things, extensive road closures from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem - as well as within the capital and on the routes leading back to the airport - and all this in the midst of the Sukkot holiday and before Simchat Torah. If his speech in the Knesset goes ahead, Trump will be the fourth American president to address the Knesset. The previous ones were George Bush in 2008, Bill Clinton in 1994 and Jimmy Carter in 1979.
2 Viewing the gallery
Netanyahu and Trump spoke. The president will arrive in Israel - they will meet in the Knesset (Photo: Alex Brandon/AP)
"The two had a very moving and warm conversation, and congratulated each other on the historic achievement in signing the agreement to release all the hostages," the Prime Minister's Office said."The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for all his efforts and 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."
The conversation between the two took place a short time after President Trump
Declared
Tonight, Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of his plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In a tweet on the Truth Social network he owns, Trump wrote:"I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed the first phase of our peace plan. This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed upon line - as the first step towards a strong, stable and lasting peace."
He said,"All parties will be treated fairly! This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, for all surrounding countries, and for the United States of America. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event possible. Blessed are the peacemakers!"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the government will meet today - Thursday - to approve the agreement, or in effect the release of the Palestinian prisoners that were agreed upon."With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all of our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. From the beginning, I made it clear: We will not rest until all of our hostages are returned and all of our goals are achieved," Netanyahu said in a statement.
"Through steadfast determination, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages. God bless Israel, God bless America, God bless our great alliance."
Meanwhile, the headquarters of the families of the kidnapped sent a letter of thanks to President Trump, which also includes an invitation to speak at the Kidnapped Square, and which reads:"We would be greatly honored if you agreed to meet with us during your upcoming visit to Israel. This could be one of the greatest demonstrations of support in Israel's history for a friend and ally. Finally, we can breathe, and we know that you will not rest until the last kidnapped person is returned home."
The letter sent by the hostage-takers' headquarters to Trump
Defense Minister Israel Katz also commented on the deal that was reached: "A huge blessing for the agreement to release the kidnapped. I thank Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump for the leadership that led to the agreement - and to the heroic IDF soldiers whose courage, determination and immense sacrifice brought us to this great moment. I extend a big hug to the families of the kidnapped for the expected return home of their loved ones, including IDF soldiers and fallen soldiers. The entire nation is waiting and excited."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also welcomed the agreement, writing tonight:"We are waiting with bated breath for our children, thank you to President Trump. And may the children return to their borders." Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz added: "Congratulations on the plan to return all of our abductees. Our hearts are with the 48 families in hope and prayer for the return of all of them - the living to the bosom of their loved ones, and the fallen to a proper burial on the soil of the land. And may the children return to their borders."
Hamas officially announced the agreement in a statement on its behalf, saying that they were grateful to President Trump, the Arab and Islamic countries. The terrorist organization's statement called on the world to ensure that Israel fulfills the terms of the agreement. The Associated Press reported that the release of the 20 hostages, who are considered alive, is expected by Sunday, and Israel indicated that it could be as early as Saturday. The release will be in one fell swoop.
Regarding the dead hostages, Hamas has pledged to return those whose whereabouts it knows for sure. Hamas claimed that it does not know for sure the whereabouts of nine of the 28 dead. A source familiar with the details added that the terrorist organization also pledged to refrain from holding ceremonies to release the hostages.
