From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Netanyahu: 21 hostages definitely alive, there is ‘doubt’ about 3 others
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel knows “for certain” that 21 hostages are still alive, says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message posted on his X account.
“There are another three who, unfortunately, there is doubt if they are alive,” he says.
Israel is not giving up on any of them, Netanyahu pledges.
His comments come after US President Donald Trump said last night that only 21 hostages remain alive.
Netanyahu also projects confidence after Trump announced that the US and Houthis reached a bilateral ceasefire. He says Israel will be able to deal with the Houthis on its own: “Israel will defend itself by itself. We are doing this in Yemen, we are doing this in other places, at great distances. Israel has a very long arm, and we will know how to employ it.”
“If others join in, our American friends, even better,” he says. “If they don’t, we will defend ourselves by ourselves,” he repeats.
He calls Iran “a great challenge,” before returning to the mantra, “We will defend ourselves by ourselves.”
The Times of Israel Community.