Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised President-elect Donald Trump’s warning to Hamas to release its remaining hostages, saying Trump is “in the right place” in emphasizing the need for action.
Trump issued a statement on Monday calling on Hamas to release all hostages prior to his inauguration on January 20. The terror group has been holding 101 hostages, including seven Americans, since October 7, 2023, after it attacked Israel and killed over 1,100 people and kidnapped at least 250 others.
Netanyahu praised Trump’s approach, saying that he is focusing on Hamas and not on the Israeli government, as is often the case. Trump’s statement also drew support from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said that increasing pressure and costs on Hamas and its supporters is the way to bring back the hostages.
Trump’s statement warned that if the hostages are not released prior to his inauguration, “there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against humanity.”