Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump in a video message published on Sunday, calling him the Jewish state’s greatest ally in the White House.
The premier praised Trump for his strong support, particularly in three key areas: putting forward a “visionary plan” for Gaza, expediting the delivery of withheld munitions and pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu reiterated an earlier statement from his office that Jerusalem had accepted a U.S. plan to extend Phase 1 of the ceasefire with Hamas by 50 days, including the continuation of the phased release of hostages. However, Hamas has rejected the proposal and made demands that Israel deems unacceptable.
As a response, Israel has ceased allowing goods into Gaza, citing Hamas’s diversion of supplies for terrorism.
“It uses these supplies to finance its terror machine, which is aimed directly at Israel and our civilians—and this we cannot accept,” stated Netanyahu.
“We will take further steps if Hamas continues to hold our hostages. And throughout this, Israel knows that America and President Trump have our back,” he continued.
“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 message concluded.