Israel’s president calls Trump a ‘true friend’ on inauguration day, praises his work to free hostages
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praises Donald Trump on inauguration day, calling him a “true friend” of the country and thanking him for his efforts to secure the release of the Hamas hostages.
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you, President Donald Trump, on your inauguration as the 47th POTUS,” Herzog wrote on X.
“You are a true friend of Israel. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and building a better future for our region. Thank you especially for your commitment to bringing all our hostages home,” he continued.
“We wish you and your administration great success in your service to the American people. Good luck!” Herzog added.
FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGE SPOKE FOR THE FIRST TIME
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, left, and President-elect Donald Trump. (Antonio Masiello/Valerie Plesch/Getty Images)
Comments come a day later Hamas released three hostages to Israel he was held in captivity for almost 500 days, as part of the ceasefire agreement and the release of the hostages.
In exchange, Israel let go 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
“Let’s face it, the fact that President Trump had a clear message, ‘By the time I’m inaugurated, I want to see the hostages out, or there’s going to be hell to pay,’ has had a huge impact in the Middle East, and we hope that with his leadership we’ll see all 98 hostages are getting out starting today with three hostages, Ronen Neutra, whose son Omer was killed by Hamas terrorists on Sunday, told Fox News.
ISRAEL RELEASES 90 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS AS PART OF Ceasefire Agreement to Release Hostages
Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy are seen near Kibbutz Reim, in southern Israel after Emily was freed from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, January 19. (AP/Israeli Army)
Trump said last week: “This EPIC cease-fire agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November, because it signaled to the world that my administration will seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our allies.
President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with President Biden during a meeting at the White House on November 12, 2024. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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“I am thrilled that the American and Israeli hostages will return home to be reunited with their families and loved ones,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Fox News’ Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
