It is “an evening of tears; an evening of happiness,” says a hoarse but smiling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a recorded video statement stressing national unity.

“It is a historic event, which some did not believe would ever happen,” he claims, ahead of the imminent start of the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“I know that there are many debates among us,” he says. “But on this day, and I hope also in the period that is almost upon us, we have all the reasons to put them aside, because with joint strength, we achieved spectacular victories, victories that stunned the entire world.”

The military campaign is not over, Netanyahu warns. “There are still major security challenges ahead of us. Some of our enemies are trying to recover in order to attack us again.”

“We are ‘on this’,” he promises.

There are also major opportunities as a result of the victories, he insists. Working together, “we will overcome the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities,” Netanyahu says.

The premier recalls promises he made when visiting the families of the hostages, and thanks the IDF soldiers and the families of the fallen.

“Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new road,” he says. “A road of building, a road of healing, and, I hope, a road of unity.”