From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Netanyahu says he and Trump in sync on hostage deal efforts, but won’t agree to one at any cost
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he and US President Donald Trump are in lock-step in efforts to secure a hostage deal, but won’t agree to one at any price.
“President Trump and I have a common goal. I want to achieve the release of our hostages. We want to end Hamas rule in Gaza. We want to make sure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel anymore,” Netanyahu tells reporters at the Capitol before meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Netanyahu says he and Trump have the same strategy and tactics for securing a deal and that they don’t involve US pressure on Israel.
Yesterday, though, the US leaned on Israel to ease its stance regarding the partial withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza during the temporary truce under discussion, an Arab official told The Times of Israel.
“President Trump wants a deal, but not at any price. I want a deal, but not at any price. Israel has security requirements and other requirements, and we’re working together to try to achieve it,” Netanyahu says, dismissing reports to the contrary.
The Times of Israel Community.