Netanyahu thanks Trump for help on hostage release, agrees to meet soon in DC

Netanyahu also announced on X that he made plans to visit Washington DC “soon” during the phone call with Trump, to discuss the deal and "other important issues."

According to the Prime Minister’s office, Netanyahu expressed his commitment to returning all hostages and his support for Trump’s recent statement to ensure “Gaza will never be a haven for terrorism.”

Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday evening, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November. We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!”

Following his call with Trump, Netanyahu spoke with outgoing US President Joe Biden to thank him for his work in advancing the hostage deal.

IDF Reserve Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi credited “President Trump’s threat” on Jan. 7 that “All hell would break loose” if the hostages were not returned before his inauguration on Monday.

Avivi told Fox News on Wednesday, that "two things" changed regarding the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement after fifteen months of war. "This deal has been on the table since May last year and Hamas opposed it completely. Why? There was no real pressure on Hamas. Israel wanted to stop some of the humanitarian aid, especially some of the gasoline, but the administration wouldn't let us do that. So Israel has no major leverage on them."

He added, "What's changed is two things. One, Israel defeated Hezbollah and Hezbollah cannot support Hamas anymore. Also, Syria fell. Iran is weaker. But the big change is President Trump's threat."

Avivi continued, "Once President Trump threatened them, that if they don't release hostages, there will be hell… I think they understand that if they don't get a deal now, the chances of getting a good deal for them will be very, very low, if at all. And therefore, they made their own assessment, and they are inclined to do the deal, thinking that they'll maximize what they can get now and not wait to see what 'hell' means.”

Biden's White House National Security communications adviser John Kirby credited President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff for their help in brokering the deal. The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 19, one day before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.