Israeli President Isaac Herzog is praising Donald Trump on Inauguration Day, calling him a “true friend” of the country and thanking him for his efforts to secure the release of hostages from Hamas.
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I heartily congratulate you, President Donald Trump, on your inauguration as the 47th POTUS,” Herzog wrote on Twitter.
He added, “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. Special thanks for your commitment to bringing home all of our hostages.”
“We wish you and your administration great success in serving the American people. All the best!” Herzog added.
Freed Israeli hostages speak for the first time
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and President Trump (Antonio Masiello/Valerie Plesh/Getty Images)
The comments came a day after Hamas released three hostages held by Israel for nearly 500 days under a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
In return, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.
“Let’s face the fact that President Trump’s clear message, ‘By my inauguration, I want to see the hostages come out, otherwise there will be hell to pay,’ made a huge impact in the Middle East, and we are “Hopefully, with his leadership, we will see all 98 hostages come out today, along with the three female hostages,” Ronen Neutra, whose son Omar was killed by Hamas militants, told Fox News on Sunday.
Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners under ceasefire agreement to free hostages
Emily Damri, right, and her mother Mandy are seen near Kibbutz Re’im in southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, Jan. 19. (AP/Israeli Army)
Trump said last week, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could only have resulted from our historic victory in November, because it signaled to the entire world that my Administration will seek peace and agreements to ensure the security of all Americans. Will negotiate.” 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.
