Netanyahu, congratulating Trump, predicts ‘best days’ of Israel-US relations ahead
As US president inaugurated, Israeli leaders thank him for help with hostage deal, PM ‘looks forward’ to toppling Hamas with his help; reports say premier may go to DC next month

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his congratulations to US President Donald Trump on his inauguration Sunday, and said he believes the “best days” of the US-Israel alliance are ahead.
“Your first term as president was filled with groundbreaking moments in the history of the great alliance between our two countries,” Netanyahu said in an English-language video message, citing Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty in the Golan Heights.
“You brokered the historic Abraham Accords, in which Israel made peace with four Arab countries,” he added. “I believe that working together again, we will raise the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights” and will “complete the defeat of Iran’s terror axis and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for our region.”
Netanyahu also thanked Trump for his role in pushing for a ceasefire-hostage release deal in Gaza, which went into effect Sunday and has so far seen three hostages freed.
Trump has been widely credited for contributing to Israel and Hamas’s acceptance of the deal, which went into effect Sunday, following vague threats he made of “hell to pay” in the Middle East if the captives did not go free before his inauguration, and a reportedly “tense” meeting between Netanyahu and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.
“I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” the prime minister added. “I am sure, Mr. President, that under your leadership, the best days of our alliance are yet to come.”
Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said in an interview Sunday that “Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable,” though he did not call for any resumption of fighting unless the terror group were to break the terms of the agreement.
The three-stage deal, which also commits Israel to release thousands of Palestinian security prisoners and detainees, calls for negotiations in its second phase to reach a permanent end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Talks are already underway for a potential visit by Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington to meet Trump as early as next month, according to Hebrew media reports Monday.
The pair spoke last week when Netanyahu thanked Trump for his help in brokering the six-week ceasefire-hostage release deal, and “the two decided to meet in Washington soon,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
In an interview on Saturday, Trump said he and the Israeli leader would be meeting “fairly shortly,” without elaborating on a timeline. A visit during the month of February would mean the pair would meet during the first six-week stage of the ceasefire deal that Trump helped push toward completion.
Netanyahu has taken few trips abroad since the start of the war against Hamas on October 7, 2023, most recently addressing the UN in September 2024. He underwent prostate surgery last month and sources say his health will also be a factor in scheduling the trip.
Herzog and Sa’ar
President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also sent congratulatory messages to Trump upon him entering his second term in office.
Herzog lauded Trump’s “unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to building a better future for our region” and added a “special thank you for your commitment to bringing all our hostages home.”
On behalf of the people of Israel, I send my heartfelt congratulations to you, President @realDonaldTrump on your inauguration as the 47th @POTUS. You are a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to building a better future for…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) January 20, 2025
Sa’ar issued a statement, saying that “during your first term you were Israel’s greatest friend,” and thanking the US president for his “efforts that helped secure the initial release of our hostages.”
“I’m sure that the special Israel-US alliance will reach new heights during your second term,” he added.
Other ministers and Israeli elected officials sent Trump messages of congratulations, including MKs Benny Gantz and Avigdor Lieberman, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett also issued a statement of congratulations.
World leaders welcome Trump
Tributes also poured in on Monday from other world leaders, who posted congratulations on the X social network.

Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote, “President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority.”
Trump made no explicit mention of in his speech of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022, saying only that he wanted to be remembered for stopping wars.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said on X that Trump’s return “will turbo-charge defence spending and production” at the alliance.

In his first term and during his last two campaigns, Trump has railed against members of the alliance for not spending more money as a portion of their GDP on defense, and even questioned whether US forces should protect countries that pay less than they’ve pledged as a goal. He has taken credit for many NATO countries’ increased defense spending since he first took office.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, “The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X, “The US is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship.”
UK
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted a video sending his “warmest congratulations” to Trump on his inauguration and hailing the British-American alliance.
On behalf of the United Kingdom, I send my warmest congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States.
The special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to flourish for years to come. pic.twitter.com/WwD39axdOS
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 20, 2025
“For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation, and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond.
“Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity,” Starmer said, noting Trump’s “historical ties” to the UK. Trump’s mother was Scottish.
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his “dear friend” Trump, writing, “I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world.”

Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated the new president, writing, “Canada and the U.S. have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations.”
Since Trump’s election, he has threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on Canadian imports and joked about making it the 51st state, referring to the country’s prime minister as “Governor Trudeau.”
Trump was inaugurated president on January 20, 2025, marking the start of his second, nonconsecutive term in the White House, after holding the office from 2017-2021.