‘A big day,’ but… Israeli leaders welcome freed hostages, even as some bash the deal
Expressing joy and relief, government figures welcome the three hostages’ return to Israel, with the far-right saying this doesn’t contradict the deal being a ‘surrender’ to Hamas

Welcoming the release of hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher as part of the first day of the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, most Israeli leaders and politicians reacted with joy and pride at their return to Israel. At the same time, some right-wing figures expressed opposition to the agreement, while still welcoming the return of the three abductees.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the return of the trio to Israel from Hamas captivity was “an incredibly moving day.”
In a conversation with Gal Hirsch, the government point person for the return of the hostages, Netanyahu said that the three civilian women were “the first hostages that we are bringing home in this round.”
Netanyahu asked Hirsch to tell them that “the whole nation is embracing you, welcome home.”
“I know, we all know, that they went through hell, they are going from darkness to light, they are truly exiting slavery for freedom,” Netanyahu added, using a biblical quote. “This moment was achieved through the sacrifice and bravery of our heroic fighters… this is a big moment, an emotional moment. A big day.”
Before the hostages were handed over to Israel, President Isaac Herzog and his wife arrived at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray for their safe return.

Herzog said in a video message that simultaneously with the excitement of the hostages’ release, he was also sending strength “to the families who are going through very difficult days,” in particular those who are seeing the release of Palestinian terrorists convicted of killing their loved ones as part of the deal.
After the three women were released, Herzog issued a statement celebrating the “day of joy and comfort, and the beginning of a challenging journey of recovery and healing together.” He also sent his thoughts to the “anxious and grieving families whose loved ones have not yet returned.”
Several leading politicians from the ruling Likud party made statements celebrating the return of the three hostages, but many made a point to insist that despite the ceasefire, Israel will not give up on destroying Hamas.

“Romi, Doron and Emily have returned home. This is a moment of hope for an entire nation that now embraces them and their families in their hearts,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz, saluting members of the security establishment.
“The State of Israel will not rest or be quiet until every abducted man and woman returns home, the living to their families, and those who are not — for burial,” Katz said.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi stated that “despite the unbearable images of the Nazis and terrorists, may their names be cursed, photographed in Gaza, today everyone is happy and excited to see our loved ones back home. We will continue to fight until we eliminate terrorism and bring everyone home soon, God willing.”
“We’ll be back soon,” he tweeted in English and Arabic.
راح نرجعلكم عن قريب – We’ll be back soon pic.twitter.com/Q1NyNRMLMM
— ????????שלמה קרעי – Shlomo Karhi (@shlomo_karhi) January 19, 2025
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein stated that “we will not give up on achieving the goals of the war and overthrowing the rule of the Hamas terrorist organization, so that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.”
‘Not through surrender’
Also commenting on their release was far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who issued a statement welcoming home the three released hostages, after he voted against the agreement that secured their release and resigned from the government due to its approval.
“We are happy and excited about your return and await the return of the remaining hostages — through the use of [military] force, cutting off fuel [to Gaza] and stopping the flow of humanitarian aid [to the Strip] — not through surrender,” Ben Gvir tweeted.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tweeted that while he opposes the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal “with all of his heart,” he is still “filled with joy” over the return of each captive.
“I am very moved by the pictures of Romi, Doron and Emily. Serious people must make space for complexity,” tweeted Smotrich, who voted against the deal but has decided to remain in the government while vowing to leave if the war doesn’t resume after the first, six-week phase.
“It is my duty and mission, as someone who represents a large public that sent its sons to the battlefield in Gaza for the hostages and sacrificed the most precious thing to them in a way that is completely disproportionate to its size and who opposes the deal,” said Smotrich. “The eyes cry bitterly but the heart is happy.”