Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday expressed support for President-elect Donald J. Trump's call for the release of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel before Trump's inauguration in January.
In a social media post on Monday, Trump did not specify potential actions if the hostages were not released by January 20. However, some Israeli officials seemed reassured by his comments, which appeared to place responsibility for the hostages on Hamas rather than on Israel.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his statement, describing it as a decisive clarification that Hamas is responsible for the ongoing situation. Trump's post emphasized that there would be severe consequences for those responsible for the hostages if they were not released.
According to Israeli officials, approximately 250 hostages were taken during the attack on October 7, 2023, with around 100 still believed to be in Gaza, and at least a third presumed dead. The Biden administration, along with Israel and international mediators such as Qatar and Egypt, has been pursuing a cease-fire, but negotiations have stalled for months.
It remains uncertain what actions Trump might undertake in response to his threat. Israel's military has significantly targeted Hamas over the past year, resulting in numerous casualties among its leaders and fighters.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister, also commended Trump’s remarks, advocating against a cease-fire until Hamas is dismantled. He emphasized the need for increased pressure on Hamas rather than yielding to their demands.
In response, Hamas official Basem Naim stated that the group seeks a permanent cease-fire and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for the hostages, accusing Netanyahu of hindering progress toward such an agreement.
Hamas has consistently called for an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Netanyahu has committed to continued military action until Hamas is defeated, suggesting that Israeli troops may need to remain in parts of Gaza during any cease-fire.
Netanyahu has frequently altered his conditions for a deal with Hamas, drawing criticism from some Israeli lawmakers who argue that his political ambitions have delayed efforts to secure the release of hostages.
Benny Gantz, a member of the political opposition in Israel, remarked that Trump's statement was significant and indicated the necessity for decisive actions from Israel to facilitate a resolution with Hamas.
Gantz has previously indicated that political factors have delayed negotiations, contributing to the risk to hostages’ lives.