Netanyahu holds “warm” call with President-elect Trump; discusses hostage release and Syria developments

Netanyahu confirms ‘very friendly’ call with Trump about need for ‘victory’ against rival factions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently shared details of a “very warm” phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump, during which they discussed key developments in the Middle East, including efforts to secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu confirmed that the conversation was “friendly, warm, and very important,” and that they addressed Israel’s determination to “complete its victory” against rival factions. The conversation also focused on the need to bring home the remaining hostages still held by Hamas, which launched a large-scale terror attack on Israel on October 7, killing over 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Around 100 hostages are still believed to be in captivity in Gaza.

The ongoing Israeli counter-offensive in Gaza has resulted in heavy casualties, with nearly 45,000 people, primarily civilians, reported killed, according to Hamas-run Gaza authorities. The conflict has also displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza.

Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently warned that it would be “a very difficult day” if the hostages are not released before Trump’s inauguration in January. Trump had earlier stated that there would be “hell to pay” in the Middle East if the hostages were not freed before he takes office.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been working diligently on a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan suggested that an agreement might be near, with momentum in the negotiations.

In addition to the hostage situation, Netanyahu and Trump discussed the ongoing situation in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Israel has carried out several targeted strikes on Syria’s strategic weapons stockpiles and has moved troops into a demilitarized zone within Syria. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel has no interest in engaging in direct conflict with Syria, but noted that Israel’s actions were aimed at preventing terrorist groups from taking control of territory near its border.

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