Netanyahu says he hopes to make announcement on Gaza hostages ‘today or tomorrow’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he hopes to make an announcement regarding hostages held in Gaza “today or tomorrow,” after Hamas officials claimed the terror group accepted a ceasefire proposal from mediators and the United States denied this.

“I really hope we can announce something regarding the hostages, if not today, then tomorrow,” Netanyahu says in a video statement.

The clip is released as Jerusalem Day draws to a close, with Netanyahu calling himself a “proud Jerusalemite” while standing in one of the ancient streets in the City of David, where a cabinet meeting was held earlier today.

He also addresses the growing controversy over his nomination of Maj. Gen. David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet.

“Today, the Old City and the new city of Jerusalem are in our hands — and they will always remain in our hands,” Netanyahu declares in the video.

Turning to the political firestorm surrounding Zini’s appointment, Netanyahu says: “According to the law, it is the prime minister who nominates the head of the Shin Bet to the government.” He dismisses criticism of the move as nothing more than a reflexive backlash from the left, accusing his critics of being on “automatic pilot.”

“There is no basis to cancel this appointment,” Netanyahu continued, instead arguing that “there is every necessity for Israel’s security in a time of war — we need a chief of the Shin Bet.”

He also asserts that attempts to block the nomination are unlawful.