Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday praised President Donald Trump as the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had as Hamas released the last 20 living hostages under the new peace deal.
“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not even close.”
He thanked Trump for “standing up for Israel” at the United Nations, for recognizing Israel’s rights in the West Bank – or in Judea and Samaria – and for withdrawing from the “disastrous” nuclear deal with Iran.
“Thank you for your support of Operation Rising Lion and for your bold decision to launch Operation Midnight Hammer,” Netanyahu said, referring to the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites in June. “Boy, you need to hear this: this is the most fitting name ever given to a military operation, because just after midnight you really took them down.”
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Netanyahu announced he has nominated Trump as the first non-Israeli recipient of the Israel Prize, which he described as the country’s “highest award.”
During his own speech, Trump said of Netanyahu, smiling: “He’s not easy — not the easiest guy to be around — but that’s what makes him great.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday praised President Donald Trump as the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had as Hamas released the last 20 living hostages under the new peace deal. ((Photo by SAUL LOEB / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty Images))
After Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages, resulting in two years of fighting in Gaza and leaving an estimated tens of thousands dead, Israel and Hamas agreed to a breakthrough peace deal last week after months of mediation by Trump administration officials to reach.
The prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas began on Monday, with Hamas releasing the last 20 surviving hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The release was part of a sweeping 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict and rebuilding Gaza. So far, only four of the 28 suspected dead hostages have returned.
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Under the agreement, Israel halted military operations and withdrew within predefined lines while preparations began for a full hostage exchange. Hamas members who renounce violence will be granted amnesty or safe passage, while those who continue their resistance will be excluded from the future governance of Gaza.
Humanitarian aid – including critical supplies, infrastructure rehabilitation and medical support – will flow freely into Gaza under the supervision of the United Nations, the Red Crescent and other neutral organizations.
“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not even close.” ((Photo by Kenny Holston – Pool/Getty Images))
Netanyahu praised Trump in his Knesset speech as Israel’s “greatest friend.” (Evan Vucci/Pool via Reuters)
Gaza’s administration will transition to a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by an international “Peace Council” chaired by Trump, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other world leaders. This body will manage Gaza’s redevelopment until a reformed Palestinian Authority is ready to take control.
A Trump-led economic development plan will seek to attract international investment and transform Gaza into a “thriving modern wonder city,” backed by a special economic zone with preferential trade terms. The plan promises that no resident will be forced to leave Gaza, emphasizing voluntary participation in the reconstruction effort.
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Security arrangements include the creation of a US-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train Palestinian police, secure the borders and oversee disarmament. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, but will gradually withdraw once security milestones are achieved. Regional partners, including Egypt and Jordan, will help ensure compliance and prevent the resurgence of militant threats.
