Netanyahu Praises Trump's Hostage Statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed gratitude to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for his strong warning to Hamas regarding the release of hostages before Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump stated that there would be 'ALL HELL TO PAY' if the hostages are not freed, which he communicated after meeting with Sara Netanyahu. Netanyahu emphasized that Trump's remarks correctly place responsibility on Hamas, contrasting with previous narratives that often blamed the Israeli government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other Israeli officials lauded Trump's clear stance against Hamas, suggesting it would increase pressure for the hostages' release. Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official criticized Netanyahu, claiming that the Israeli government's actions have hindered potential agreements for the hostages' release. This shift in U.S. rhetoric could signal a realignment in how future U.S.-Israel relations address regional conflicts and hostilities.