Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly thanked former US President Donald Trump for his “unwavering support” for Israel, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a recent statement on X, Netanyahu described Trump as “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House,” emphasizing the crucial steps Trump took to strengthen Israel’s security in the region. Netanyahu also acknowledged Trump’s role in delivering essential munitions that had previously been delayed.
Sharing a video message, Netanyahu wrote, “I want to thank President Trump for his unwavering support for Israel. During my recent visit to Washington, I said that Donald Trump is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House. And President Trump shows that friendship each and every day.”
He praised Trump’s support through what he called a “visionary plan for Gaza,” which Israel fully supports. Netanyahu noted that Trump ensured the delivery of munitions that had been held up, providing Israel with the resources needed to confront Iran’s “terror axis.” Additionally, Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump’s efforts to pressure Hamas for the release of hostages.
Israel has accepted Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal to extend the temporary ceasefire by 50 days. Netanyahu highlighted the plan’s potential to facilitate negotiations for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Under this proposal, half of the hostages would be released immediately, with the remainder freed if a long-term ceasefire agreement is reached.
“Israel has accepted this plan, I accepted this plan, but so far Hamas has rejected it,” Netanyahu stated. He criticized Hamas’s counterproposals for a permanent ceasefire, calling them “totally unacceptable.”
Netanyahu also announced Israel’s decision to halt the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza, claiming that Hamas has been “stealing” aid meant for civilians and using it to finance terrorist activities. “Israel has decided to stop letting goods and supplies into Gaza, something we’ve done for the past 42 days,” he said. “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. This we cannot accept.”
Reaffirming Israel’s commitment to further action if hostages remain in captivity, Netanyahu underscored the importance of American support. “Throughout this, Israel knows that America and President Trump have our back,” he said.
In closing, Netanyahu expressed his deep gratitude to Trump: “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.”
The ongoing conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and sending militants to infiltrate Israeli towns near Gaza. The attack resulted in hundreds of casualties and the taking of hostages. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, marking the beginning of a major conflict.
