PM denies Gaza deal would have been possible before now, credits Israel with ‘massive victories’ over past 2 years

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies that the current deal was available earlier. “Hamas never agreed to release all of our hostages while we remain deep inside the Strip,” he insists.

“Hamas agreed to the deal only when it felt the sword resting on its neck,” says the premier, “and it is still on its neck.”

He adds that Hamas only agreed to the deal when US President Donald Trump’s plan isolated it internationally in an unprecedented fashion.

“In the current stage, we are focused on freeing our hostages,” says Netanyahu.

He promises to bring the bodies of slain hostages “to a Jewish burial.”

“We will work to locate everyone as soon as possible, and will do it as a holy obligation of mutual responsibility,” he says.

After praising IDF troops and recognizing the sacrifice of the families of the fallen, Netanyahu thanks Trump “for his world leadership, and for his unceasing efforts to put together this plan to bring back our hostages.”

Trump, says Netanyahu, once again “proved his friendship to our people, to our country.”

He also thanks top Trump aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and his negotiating team.

The Simhat Torah holiday two years ago turned into a day of national mourning, says Netanyahu. “This Simhat Torah will turn, God willing, to a day of national happiness. Happiness over the return of all our brothers and sisters.”

In the war, he says, “we are attaining massive victories, victories that are changing the face of the Middle East.”

He warns that the war is not over, and significant challenges remain. At the same time, says Netanyahu, there are important opportunities, “expanding the circle of peace around us.”