Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called a preparatory ceasefire a necessary and important move, offering support to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government.
“This deal–when signed, approved, and implemented–will bring with it deeply painful, challenging, and harrowing moments. It will also present significant challenges,” the president said in an address to the nation.
Herzog added that the deal will return those who were captured, which “will make a vital contribution to our national and social resilience.” According to Israeli officials, around 100 hostages remain in captivity.
Herzog thanked the parties participating in the negotiations, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, “and all other parties that pushed for the release of the hostages.” He also offered special thanks to the outgoing US President Joe Biden and to President-elect Donald Trump.
