The nation of Israel experienced a moment of overwhelming joy and relief on Monday as the last 20 living hostages returned home, marking the end of a harrowing 737 days in Hamas captivity. However, this euphoria is tempered by the grim reality that the deal remains incomplete: the terrorists still hold the bodies of 24 deceased Israelis whom they have failed to turn over, a requirement of the agreement.
The overwhelming sentiment among strategists is that while the rescue is a profound victory, the pressure on Hamas must not be eased until every Israeli—living or dead—is accounted for.
Political Praise for a Wartime Partnership
The return of the hostages set the stage for a powerful display of political solidarity between the United States and Israel. Speaking before Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, President Donald Trump delivered a strong message of endorsement and celebration.
“You’ve won,” President Trump declared, praising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “one of the greatest wartime presidents” and highlighting the subsequent opportunity to “translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
This sentiment was enthusiastically shared across the Israeli political spectrum:
- Prime Minister Netanyahu personally thanked Trump, stating, “When others were weak, you were strong. When others abandoned us, you stood by our side.”
- Even Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed the praise, acknowledging the President’s direct impact on the outcome: “Mr. President, you have saved the lives of our hostages.”
The public exchange underscored a successful strategic partnership credited with securing the release, while simultaneously framing the event not just as an exchange, but as a major victory against terrorism.