Israeli Prime Minister discusses critical next steps with President Biden and President-elect Trump, focusing on ensuring Gaza is no longer a terrorist haven.
Tel Aviv [Israel], January 16: Following the recent ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in discussions with both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to express gratitude for their support and outline future actions.
Netanyahu Acknowledges US Role in Hostage Deal
In his conversations, Netanyahu thanked both leaders for their roles in advancing the agreement, which facilitated the release of hostages and marked a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict.
Netanyahu’s office posted on X:
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his assistance in advancing the release of the hostages... The two decided to meet in Washington soon to discuss this and other important issues."
He also expressed appreciation to President Biden, acknowledging his role in advancing the deal and the ongoing US support for Israel’s security.
Trump Highlights Peace Efforts
President-elect Trump emphasized that the progress reflected his administration's approach to prioritizing peace and security. Sharing his thoughts on Truth Social, Trump said:
"This epic ceasefire agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November... I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be reunited with their loved ones."
He added that his administration, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, would ensure Gaza does not return to being a "terrorist safe haven" and pledged to build upon the Abraham Accords.
Biden Commends Challenging Negotiations
President Biden, who announced the deal earlier, highlighted the diplomatic challenges involved, describing it as one of the most complex negotiations in his decades of foreign policy experience.
"The road to this deal has not been easy. We have reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas, backed by the United States," Biden stated.
Deal Framework
The three-phase agreement includes:
- A full ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- The release of hostages, including Americans.
- Long-term reconstruction plans for Gaza.
Looking Ahead
Both Biden and Trump emphasized the importance of ensuring Gaza does not become a hub for terrorism, signaling continued US-Israeli collaboration in securing peace and stability in the region.
