"Herzog Champions an Ethical Imperative: Sends Netanyahu to Washington with Unwavering Backing"
In a critical diplomatic move, President Isaac Herzog met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, ahead of the latter's upcoming diplomatic visit to Washington, D.C. The focus of their discussion was the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza and the pursuit of a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
President Herzog expressed his support for Prime Minister Netanyahu's mission, calling it a supreme moral duty to bring the hostages home. He commended the negotiation team heading to Doha, Qatar, for their efforts in engaging indirectly with Hamas on a US-mediated deal.
The proposed deal outlines a 60-day ceasefire, guaranteed by US President Donald Trump, during which Hamas would release 10 live Israeli hostages and return 18 bodies in staged transfers. In return, Israeli military activity would halt, with troop redeployment in Gaza coordinated to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery through UN and Red Crescent channels.
However, challenges remain. Hamas demands a permanent end to hostilities and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, but Netanyahu has refused to guarantee a permanent ceasefire upfront. The number of Palestinian prisoners to be released remains unresolved, and Hamas seeks assurances that the war will end—which Israel has not conceded.
President Herzog acknowledged the complexity of the mission, emphasising that it may involve difficult, complex, and painful decisions. He expressed confidence, however, that the Security Cabinet and defense establishment will manage these challenges, as they have in the past.
The deepening of ties with additional countries, including those facilitated by the Abraham Accords initiative, is also part of the discussion. President Herzog expressed hope that the diplomatic effort could lead to broader regional developments.
President Herzog also thanked US President Donald Trump for his support in eliminating Iran's nuclear threat. He emphasised the importance of the trip as a significant step and called on world leaders and international partners to use their influence to help achieve a breakthrough in the hostage situation.
As the nation watches, hopes, and prays for the safe return of the hostages, President Herzog emphasised that the mission is of utmost importance. He reiterated that he does not take lightly the potential price of a hostage deal, but remains committed to the pursuit of peace and the safe return of the hostages.
The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza have reached the political domain, with the discussion of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas being a key focus in President Isaac Herzog's meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amid the negotiations, President Herzog has called for support and expressed gratitude for the US President Donald Trump's role in mediating the deal and eliminating Iran's nuclear threat. The general news landscape is closely monitoring the unfolding events, with the safety and return of the Israeli hostages being a matter of national concern.
