Herzog presses hostage issue in call with Trump

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

(R-L) US First Lady Melania Trump, US President Donald Trump, opposition leader Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal Herzog at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem in 2017. (Haim Zach/GPO)
(R-L) US First Lady Melania Trump, US President Donald Trump, opposition leader Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal Herzog at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem in 2017. (Haim Zach/GPO)

President Isaac Herzog has spoken with US president-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on winning this week’s election, Herzog’s office says.

During the call, Herzog stressed “the very urgent need to advance the return of the Israeli hostages, who have been held captive by Hamas for 400 days in terrible suffering,” his office says.

Trump emphasized his love and support for Israel, according to the Israeli readout.

“The presidents agreed that they will continue and stay in touch for the benefit of continuing the fruitful cooperation between the governments and strengthening the deep alliance between the countries,” Herzog’s office says.

Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Herzog’s brother Michael Herzog would be recalled from his job as ambassador to the US once Trump takes office.

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