Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu announced in a video message shared on his X account that Israel has verified that 21 hostages held by Hamas are still alive.
“There are another three who, unfortunately, there is doubt if they are alive,” he stated.
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s unwavering determination to recover all hostages. “Israel is not giving up on any of them,” he pledged.
The statement followed remarks by President Donald Trump the previous night, during which Trump said that 21 hostages remain alive, a figure that has since stirred public attention.
Netanyahu also addressed the recent development between the United States and the Houthis, following Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire agreement. Emphasizing Israel’s military independence, Netanyahu asserted, “Israel will defend itself by itself. We are doing this in Yemen, we are doing this in other places, at great distances. Israel has a very long arm, and we will know how to employ it.”
He added that while American support is appreciated, Israel is prepared to act alone if necessary. “If others join in, our American friends, even better,” he said. “If they don’t, we will defend ourselves by ourselves.”
Turning to broader regional threats, Netanyahu labeled Iran as “a great challenge” and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its own security, repeating, “We will defend ourselves by ourselves.”
{Matzav.com Israel}