Trump’s conversation with the Israeli president
In a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Donald Trump was told that Israeli intelligence believes half of the 101 hostages, including seven Americans, or 50 to 55, are still alive in Gaza. Herzog insisted to Trump that the hostages must be rescued. Trump expressed his astonishment at this, and said he believed most of the hostages were dead.
Donald Trump called for an early end to the war in Gaza. Some Israeli officials believe that Trump is a president who has more influence over Netanyahu than Biden. Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Trump should immediately issue a statement clearly demanding the release of all hostages.
Despite more than a year of fighting in Gaza, Israel has not been able to free its hostages. Talks between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release have stalled for more than three months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes ending the war in exchange for a hostage deal. This is considered a sign of Israel’s defeat. In such a situation, there is uncertainty about the release of the hostages.