Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced his agreement with President-elect Donald Trump’s strong warning to Hamas regarding the hostages.
Netanyahu stated during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that Trump’s focus on Hamas, rather than the Israeli government, was appropriate.
Trump had issued an ultimatum on Monday, demanding the release of all hostages before his inauguration on January 20, 2025.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the lack of progress in securing the release of the hostages held by Hamas since their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, an attack that resulted in at least 1,200 deaths and the abduction of at least 250 people. Among the 101 hostages remaining in Gaza, seven are American citizens.
“The world is rightly concerned about the brutal and inhumane treatment of these hostages in the Middle East, but words alone are insufficient,” Trump declared.
“Therefore, let it be known that if the hostages are not freed before my inauguration on January 20, 2025, there will be severe repercussions in the Middle East for those responsible for these atrocities,” Trump added.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also expressed support for Trump’s message.
Smotrich, as quoted by Reuters, emphasized that the path to securing the hostages’ release involves intensifying pressure on Hamas and its allies, rather than succumbing to their demands.
’ Louis Casiano contributed to this report.