U.S. President-elect Donald Trump issued unprecedented threats on Monday against the Hamas terror organization, prompting responses from several Israeli public figures.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich thanked Trump, writing on X:
“How good it is to hear clear and moral statements that don’t create false equivalencies. . .This is the way to bring the hostages home: by increasing pressure and costs for Hamas and its supporters, and by defeating them—not, God forbid, by giving in to their absurd demands.”
President Herzog also expressed gratitude, saying:
“Thank you and blessings to you, Mr. President-elect. We are all praying for the moment we will see our brothers and sisters back home!”
MK Benny Gantz also voiced support for Trump’s statements, with a hint toward the political echelon:
“Following the strong and significant statement by President-elect Trump, it is now time for our bold actions.”
“Release the Hostages, Now!”
It is worth recalling that in a post on his social media platform (Truth Social), Trump wrote:
“If the hostages are not released by January 20th, the day I take office, there will be hell to pay in the Middle East for those who committed these crimes against humanity. The perpetrators will be hit harder than anyone has ever been hit in the tumultuous history of the United States. Release the hostages, now!”
Notably, Trump’s statement came a day after Sara Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister’s wife, visited Trump in Florida. Additionally, in recent weeks, many hostage families have intensified their efforts to engage with Trump, pushing for initiatives that will lead to the return of the hostages.
