Eisenkot to Arutz Sheva:
'A difficult deal made from a place of strength'
Former MK Eisenkot at an event in memory of his son: "I see this deal as a dilemma, but it was made from the strength of Israel."
Former MK Eisenkot at an event in memory of his son: "I see this deal as a dilemma, but it was made from the strength of Israel."


MK Amit Halevi says he will not attend the US President’s speech at the Knesset. “The agreement is not a victory. We must acknowledge the pain and learn lessons.”

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

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

Israeli music star Hanan Ben Ari presented a rendition of a verse from the Book of Lamentations for the return of the hostages, incorporating an emotional recording of the late Rebbe Shlomo Carlebach.

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

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a statement to the press ahead of the return of the hostages to Israel, warning that there were still many challenges ahead.

Danny, father of hostage Omri Miran, called for the public to stop vilifying the prime minister regarding the hostage deal.

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

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.

MK Succot ascended the Temple Mount and declared that the real 'Al-Aqsa Flood' - the name Hamas used for the October 7th massacre - was only beginning.

One day before the real president touches down in Israel, the actor who plays him arrived to shoot at Hostages Square.

President Herzog visited Hostages' Square and expressed hope for the return of all hostages, but warned that there would be costs to pay.

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef calls US President Donald Trump a 'Righteous Among the Nations' for role in hostages’ release, urges synagogues to sing prayers of thanks, while mourning those who will return in death.

Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says protesters who booed during US Envoy Steve Witkoff's speech were funded by Qatar and other foreign agents.

Eitan Mor, who was taken hostage on October 7th, will be released from Hamas captivity in the coming hours. Kiryat Arba prepares to welcome him with posters and prayers.

US President Donald Trump will arrive in Israel on Monday for a short visit, during which he will meet with President Isaac Herzog, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and hostages' families, as well as addressing the Knesset.

After hearing that one of the murderers of his son and wife is due to be released, Yoel Tzur talks about his feelings, fears, and hopes for the day after the release of the hostages.

Shir Siegel, daughter of freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, slams Saturday night boos directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during US Envoy Steve Witkoff's speech at Hostages Square.

At a moving Tel Aviv event, attendees booed Steve Witkoff for crediting PM Netanyahu for the hostages’ release. Observers called the reaction “leftist and shameful,” and not reflective of the families or the nation.

Jewish activist arrested near gates of Jerusalem's Old City while making his way to the Temple Mount with a goat for sacrifice.

Traditional mass Priestly Blessing ceremony held at Western Wall, with tens of thousands in attendance.

Speaking at Hostages Square, captivity survivor declares: "Our brothers and sister are close. We are one people, responsible for one another. We must not fall apart."

Ahead of the Knesset debate on the Draft Law, MK Moshe Gafni levels sharp criticism at coalition members over their conduct and priorities.

The Israel Airports Authority is preparing for the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump. Passengers on Monday are advised to travel to the airport by Israel Railways, which will operate enhanced service.

Internal polls indicate former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon may be among the only politicians able to pull votes from one side of the aisle to the other.

US Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks at Hostages Square Rally, but is interrputed and booed when he attempts to thank Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch.

Ahead of hostages' return, Ivanka Trump speaks at Hostages Square rally, sharing messages of faith and hope. 'This is a triumph of faith, courage, and of a shared humanity.'

Jared Kushner spoke tonight to a rally of tens of thousands at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and praised Israel for not being drawn into 'imitating the barbarism of Hamas.'

Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump addressed a crowd of thousands this evening at a rally in Tel Aviv.

Roei Shalev, boyfriend of Mapal Adam, who was murdered in the attack, was found lifeless yesterday (Friday) at the scene of a vehicle fire near Netanya.

Ahead of expected hostage release, mother of hostage Alon Ohel asks the public to play piano in his honor. 'Show Alon that you waited for him together with us.'

Israel’s completion Phase A of Trump’s hostage deal sparks hope for early release before Monday. Medical centers are on alert as families are told it could happen as soon as Sunday.

Supreme Court dismisses a petition against releasing terrorist prisoners in the Hamas deal, citing the issue as a core security matter under government discretion.

PM Netanyahu visits Sheba Hospital before Shabbat to inspect preparations for returning hostages and honor wounded IDF soldiers, praising their courage and the medical teams' readiness.

US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump visited the Western Wall, praying with Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch for the hostages’ safe return and lasting peace in the region.

Jonathan Pollard tells Arutz Sheva that Israel’s acceptance of an American-imposed ceasefire reflects failed leadership and warns it could bring another national disaster.

Two new polls show growing support for Likud and the right-wing bloc. Channel 13 poll finds that 82% of the public back Trump’s proposal to end the war and secure the release of hostages.

The walls of Jerusalem’s Old City and the Chords Bridge illuminated with the flags of the United States and Israel, in appreciation of President Trump’s efforts to secure the release of hostages.

Document agreed upon between Israel and Hamas outlining Trump’s Gaza peace plan: IDF withdrawal, full aid entry, and hostage release within 72 hours, coordinated by a multinational task force.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir clashes with American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during government meeting to approve the agreement with Hamas.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana invites President Trump to speak in Israel’s parliament, praising his role in securing hostage release and brokering a historic regional peace agreement.

Leah Goldin, mother of captured soldier Hadar, made a personal appeal to world leaders not to allow Hamas to control the recovery of the hostages.

The town of Shiloh is preparing for the return of Avinatan Or from captivity after two years, with lighting, decorations, and a special monument in the community square.

Political commentator Amit Segal believes the agreement to return the hostages almost fully realizes the war objectives set by the government at the outset.

Arab affairs commentator Zvi Yehezkali says that alongside the great joy over the return of the hostages, Hamas gained many achievements at Israel’s expense in the first phase of the agreement.

The family of hostage Avinatan Or celebrated today the birth of their new grandson in a particularly emotional brit milah ceremony held in the community of Shiloh, just hours after the hostage deal was announced.

In the first phase, each returning hostage will receive a prepaid card worth 10,000 NIS and an additional cash grant of approximately 50,000 NIS.

Bereaved father Itzik Buntzel insisted that the credit goes not to Trump for freeing the hostages, but to the IDF.

Iris Haim, mother of kidnapped and killed hostage Yotam Haim, calls on Israeli public to rejoice with modesty and remember the fallen soldiers and the hostages who will never return to their families.

The pilot on a flight bringing hostages' loved ones home ahead of the implementation of the hostage deal congratulated them, 'It is a privilege to bring you home for the reunion that you've waited.'

Tikva Forum for families of hostages and fallen soldiers acknowledges Trump deal's risk to Israeli public, demands Israel prevent future kidnappings.

Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, whose son fell in Gaza, told CNN that Hamas agreed to the deal only under military pressure and through the sacrifices of Israel’s fallen soldiers.

Hospitals, Health Ministry, preparing for the largest hostage admittance operation thus far. 'We are preparing for the worst of all and hoping for good.'

First mass Priestly Blessing ceremony begins at the Western Wall, attended by Hamas captivity survivors, families of hostages, and tens of thousands of worshipers.

Rainfall expected to lessen during afternoon, with higher temperatures projected for weekend.

Three survivors of Hamas captivity told Arutz Sheva at Hostages Square they are hopeful yet cautious after the new Gaza deal, urging the nation to keep praying until every hostage returns.

Leah and Simcha Goldin, parents of killed and kidnapped soldier Hadar, urge government to recover all hostages, including their son, before giving anything to Hamas. 'Until he is home, we are still at war.'

President Isaac Herzog hailed the agreement to free hostages and end the Gaza war, thanking Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, whom he said deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
