Netanyahu thanks Trump and Biden for facilitating Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Following the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had discussions with both US President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, expressing gratitude for their support in facilitating the deal.

Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to securing the return of all hostages and praised Trump for stressing the importance of preventing Gaza from becoming a terrorist stronghold. Both leaders agreed to meet soon in Washington to further discuss these matters.

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The Israeli Prime Minister's Office shared an update on social media, stating, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his help in advancing the hostages' release and for supporting Israel in bringing an end to the suffering of the hostages and their families." The post continued, "The Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to returning all hostages and commended President-elect Trump for his remarks that the US would collaborate with Israel to ensure Gaza is not a safe haven for terrorism. The two leaders decided to meet soon in Washington to discuss this and other pressing issues."

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to President Biden for his assistance in advancing the hostage deal, with the Prime Minister’s Office adding, "Prime Minister Netanyahu then spoke with US President Joe Biden and thanked him for his help in advancing the hostages deal."

In response to the ceasefire announcement, Trump shared his thoughts on social media, emphasizing the role his administration's victory played in facilitating the deal.

"This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the world that my administration would pursue peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "I am thrilled that American and Israeli hostages will return home to be reunited with their families and loved ones."

He also remarked, "We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine what we will accomplish once I return to the White House, and my administration is fully confirmed to secure more victories for the United States."

Trump praised the efforts of his National Security team, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and emphasized the importance of maintaining "peace through strength" in the region.

"With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to ensure Gaza never becomes a terrorist sanctuary. We will continue promoting peace through strength throughout the region, building on the momentum of this ceasefire to expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America and the world," he concluded.

President Biden also acknowledged the difficulty of negotiating the deal. "The road to this deal has not been easy. I have worked in foreign policy for decades - this has been one of the toughest negotiations I have ever experienced. And we reached this point because of the pressure Israel put on Hamas, backed by the United States," Biden said when announcing the deal, which aims to end over 15 months of conflict.

The agreement includes a full ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including Americans.