Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed the released hostages Iair Horn, Saguya Dekel-Chen and Alexander Trufanov, who returned home after 498 days in Hamas captivity. He stressed that their release was made possible by the support of US President Donald Trump and the IDF’s active military operation in Gaza. This was reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Hamas threats and Israel’s response
According to Netanyahu, the Hamas group threatened to disrupt the agreement, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the truce. However, the prime minister rejected these accusations and stressed that it was the concentration of Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip that forced the terrorists to comply with the agreement.
“We are working in full coordination with the United States to release all of our hostages, both living and dead, as soon as possible. At the same time, we are preparing with full intensity for the next stages, in all aspects,” Netanyahu said.
The IDF is ready for any scenario
Defence Minister Yisrael Katz added that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are fully prepared for any scenario, including possible violations of the agreements by Hamas militants.
“We will not allow terrorists to dictate terms. If they try to disrupt the agreement, Israel’s response will be immediate and decisive,” Katz said.
