In a video statement on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu expressed heartfelt gratitude to US President Donald Trump, recognizing his steadfast support for Israel.
“I want to thank President Trump for his unwavering support for Israel,” Netanyahu said, acknowledging Trump’s dedication to enhancing the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Looking back on his recent trip to Washington, Netanyahu described Trump as “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House,” emphasizing that “President Trump shows that friendship each and every day.”
Netanyahu highlighted Trump’s key contributions, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “He has shown it through his visionary plan for Gaza, this is a plan which Israel fully supports,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also credited Trump for ensuring Israel received critical military supplies. “He’s shown it by sending us all the munitions that were being held up. This way he is giving Israel the tools we need to finish the job against Iran’s terror axis.”
Netanyahu further lauded Trump for his diplomatic involvement in the hostage crisis. “And he has shown it by fully backing Israel and putting the pressure to release the hostages where it truly belongs – on Hamas.”
The Prime Minister confirmed that Israel had agreed to a plan put forward by Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, which seeks to extend a temporary ceasefire. “Israel has accepted President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff’s plan to extend the temporary ceasefire by 50 days, during that time we can discuss the conditions for a permanent ceasefire that will end the war in Gaza,” he explained.
Describing the specifics of the proposal, Netanyahu said, “In Witkoff’s plan, half of the hostages would be released right away and the remaining half would be released if we reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire. Again, Israel has accepted this plan. I accepted this plan. But so far, Hamas has rejected it.”
He also criticized Hamas’s conditions, stating, “Hamas had also put forward positions for a permanent ceasefire that are totally unacceptable.”
Netanyahu defended Israel’s recent decision to block the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. “Israel has decided to stop letting goods and supplies into Gaza, something we’ve done for the past 42 days. We’ve done that because Hamas steals the supplies and prevents the people of Gaza from getting them. It uses these supplies to finance its terror machine, which is aimed directly at Israel and our civilians – and this we cannot accept.”
He also warned of further actions if Hamas continues to hold hostages. “We will take further steps if Hamas continues to hold our hostages. And throughout this, Israel knows that America and President Trump have our back.”
In closing, Netanyahu once again expressed his appreciation: “Thank you again, President Trump! Thank you for all you are doing to return our hostages, bolster our security and provide a future of prosperity and peace for all the peoples of the Middle East.”

{Matzav.com Israel}