Netanyahu apologizes to recently released hostage Eli Sharabi: ‘Sorry that it took us so long’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologizes to recently freed hostage Eli Sharabi for failing to free him earlier.

“I am sorry that it took us so long,” says Netanyahu in a phone conversation, according to the Prime Minister’s Office transcript. “We fought hard to get you out, and your brother and the entire family fought hard too.”

Sharabi, 53, is expected to meet Donald Trump this week after the US president saw an interview in which the freed hostage described having been chained, beaten and starved by his captors.

Netanyahu tells the Kibbutz Be’eri resident that he “greatly appreciates the courageous way you are telling about what you have been through, and it is also very important that you tell President Trump.”

Sharabi stresses the importance of bringing all the hostages home, including the slain. The body of Sharabi’s brother Yossi is still being held in Gaza.

“Thank you for all the efforts you are making in this direction,” says Sharabi, promising that he and his brother Sharon will do what they can to advance the cause with Trump. “Perhaps with joint efforts we will bring this whole saga to an end,” says Sharabi.

“That is the goal,” responds Netanyahu, “and I want you to know that we are not letting up on it for a moment, including in these moments that I am speaking to you.”