Israel National News

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US President Donald Trump and PM Netanyahu address Knesset

Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomes President Trump to Israel, 'on this special day that has been engraved in our national memory.'

Trump to Amb. Leiter:

Trump to Amb. Leiter: 'Your son is looking down at you with a smile'

US President Donald Trump made a special emotional gesture to Israel's ambassador who lost his son in the war in Gaza

President Herzog:

President Herzog: 'The piano at the President’s Residence is waiting for you!'

President Herzog spoke with released hostage Alon Ohel - a talented pianist - and invited him to play the piano at the President’s Residence.

Marc Zell:

Marc Zell: 'We've talked about it, but Trump made it happen'

Marc Zell, Chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, says that only President Trump could have brought on an entirely new Middle East.

MK Ohad Tal:

MK Ohad Tal: 'Historic day as hostages return home'

MK Ohad Tal thanked PM Netanyahu and President Trump for their roles in securing the release, emphasizing Israel’s determination not to accept partial deals and warning that Hamas must be dismantled to ensure Gaza no longer threatens Israel.

These are the 20 hostages released from Hamas captivity

The 20 hostages released Monday from Hamas captivity are Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Avinatan Or, Bar Kupershtein, Eitan Horn, Elkana Bohbot, Evyatar David, Maxim Herkin, Matan Zangauker, Nimrod Cohen, Rom Braslvaski, Segev Kalfon, and Yosef Haim Ohana,

'You're coming home'

Watch: Hostage's mother speaks with her son for the first time

Einav Zanguaker, mother of hostage Matan, speaks with her son just prior to his release from Hamas captivity. 'The war is over, you're coming home.'

Mor family's message to the nation after Eitan's release

The family of hostage survivor Eitan Mor joyfully announce his return from Hamas captivity after two years, thanking the IDF, security forces, Israeli leadership, US support, and the people of Israel for their role in bringing Eitan home.

'It's all okay, calm down'

Watch: Hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama

After over 730 days in Hamas captivity, hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama on the phone, telling her, 'It's all okay, calm down.'

Murdered hostage's parents:

Murdered hostage's parents: 'Profound relief and joy as Israeli hostages are released'

Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, parents of murdered hostage Hersh, join the nation in gratitude and hope, echoing the words of Psalm 126: a song of return, laughter, and renewal after long months of pain.

Watch: Returning hostages cross into Israeli territory

The IDF has released footage of the returning hostages' arrival in Israel. Watch.

Netanyahu joins Trump in Beast en route to Knesset

President Trump arrives in Israel ahead of the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Ben Gurion Airport control tower: 'Welcome to the State of Israel, Mr. President. Your visit carries deep meaning for people in this time.'

IDF chief: 'Our mission won't end until the last hostage returns'

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is commanding Operation 'Returning Home, says it is a 'very significant day' marking progress toward key war objectives. 'Our mission will not end until the last hostage is returned.'

Government 'committed to the return of all hostages'

Government statement welcomes returning hostages home, says families have been updated.

Live:

Live: Thousands pray at Nova site with Rabbi Eliyahu

The special prayer is being held under the leadership of the Tikva Forum and the Association of Community Rabbis, with bereaved families, reserve soldiers, and Minister Amichai Eliyahu.

The Netanyahus' note

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara left a personal note for every returning hostage. 'We waited for you, we embrace you.'

Watch live:

Watch live: Thousands attend holiday prayers at the Western Wall

Thousands of Jews arrive at the Western Wall for festive Hoshana Rabba prayers, thanking G-d for the hostages' release. Watch.

Herzog to award Trump with Israel’s highest civilian honor

President Herzog to inform President Trump of his decision to award him the “Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor” in recognition of his efforts to bring the hostages home.

Zelenskyy:

Zelenskyy: Trump’s Gaza peace deal offers hope for Ukraine

Ukrainian President praises Trump’s Gaza ceasefire and urges similar pressure on Putin.

Avinatan Or’s brother:

Avinatan Or’s brother: We’re all on the path to closure

Moshe Or, brother of hostage Avinatan Or, shares his emotions ahead of their long-awaited reunion.

Watch:

Watch: Art of the deal (gone wrong)

As the deal to release Israeli hostages from Hamas is set to be implemented, activist Rudy Rochman warns of hidden risks in its conditions.

Hours before release:

Hours before release: Government votes on changes to terrorist release list

Government approves significant amendments to the list of terrorist prisoners slated for release as part of the deal with Hamas.

Watch:

Watch: US ambassadors wow the crowd at United Hatzalah Sukkot concert

At the United Hatzalah concert, Ambassador Huckabee, Ambassador Friedman, and Elon Gold wow the crowd with “Sweet Home Yerushalayim,” a twist on a classic tune.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin:

Rachel Goldberg-Polin: I don’t know how to carry all of this

At Jerusalem rally, mother of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin shares raw grief and hope ahead of the hostage release, urging unity and compassion after 736 days of anguish.

As part of hostage deal:

As part of hostage deal: Planner of kidnapping and murder of three teens to be released

Senior Hamas military wing member Mahmoud Kawasmeh to be freed under hostage deal. Ministers were told he "promoted military activities against Judea and Samaria."

'Look forward to seeing you'

'I look forward to seeing you soon': Trump accepts invitation to speak in Knesset

President Donald Trump responds to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s invitation to address the Knesset: We stand on the doorstep of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history.

IDF prepares for Hamas provocations during hostage release

Israel is preparing for Hamas provocations during the coming night and up to the actual release of the hostages from captivity.

Planned attack on Orlando Chabad House foiled

Two Brazilian nationals staying illegally in Orlando were arrested after allegedly planning to set fire to and bomb the Chabad House there.

Senior defense official:

Senior defense official: Hamas was not defeated, but was weakened'

According to the official, the agreement makes it possible to secure the return of the hostages while exploring a gradual dismantling of Hamas.

Jerusalem in red, white & blue

Israeli capital completes preparations to welcome President Trump

Jerusalem completes final arrangements for President Trump's visit, including road closures, flag displays, and enhanced city services for residents.

Confirmed: Hamas influencer found shot in Gaza

Saleh al-Jafarawi, known for pro-Hamas videos and accused of corruption, was found shot in the head in Gaza, reportedly by anti-Hamas clan.

Newspaper delivery triggered terror alert in Kochav Hashachar

A local newspaper distributor in Kochav Hashachar was identified as a terrorist last Friday. Residents remained in their homes for about three hours until the mistake was clarified.

IDF Chief:

IDF Chief: Israel has defeated Hamas after two years of war

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced Israel’s victory over Hamas after two years of war, calling it an existential triumph and pledging lasting security for Israel.

'You got me back by life'

Captivity survivor gifts President Trump his book: 'You got me back by life'

Captivity survivor Eli Sharabi sent an English copy of his book 'Hostage' to US President Donald Trump, thanking him for securing his release.

Vance clarifies: US won’t deploy troops to Gaza

US Vice President JD Vance said reports of an American troop deployment to Gaza are false, confirming the US will only monitor the ceasefire terms while regional allies handle security.

Outrage:

Outrage: New restaurant in Gaza named 'Nova'

Footage shows the new beachside restaurant in Khan Yunis that shares a name with the festival where Hamas terrorists murdered 378.

Watch:

Watch: Giant American flag flies over Binyamin region

The flag, measuring 26×36 feet (8×11 meters), was erected in Ateret, which is in a major flight path to Ben Gurion Airport.

Moving:

Moving: Hostages' families prepare room, car for sons' arrival

The families of Segev Kalfon and Yosef-Haim Ohana, abducted from the Nova music festival, shared emotional footage preparing their homes and belongings ahead of the hostages’ expected return.

Prisoner who attacked guard removed from release list

A prisoner who was due to be released under the hostage deal attacked a prison guard at Ketziot and was removed from the list of those to be set free.

Hostage coordinator:

Hostage coordinator: Hostages expected to be released first thing in the morning

Hostage Coordinator Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch said Israel is ready for the release to begin Monday morning, with Red Cross convoys and hospitals on standby to receive returnees.