Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President-elect Trump for his role in negotiating a ceasefire between the nation and the militant group Hamas.
“From the moment he was elected, President Trump has been involved in the mission for the release of our hostages. He spoke with me Wednesday evening,” Netanyahu said in a Saturday statement.
“He welcomed the agreement and rightly emphasized that the first stage of the agreement is a temporary ceasefire. That is what he said, ‘a temporary ceasefire.’”
The former president took credit for the success of the deal, lauding his election win as a strong influence. Trump will inherit negotiations from the Biden administration on Monday, as both men have battled for credit for the deal.
The ceasefire and hostage deal will go into effect Sunday.
Netanyahu described the agreement as a provisional short term deal as negotiations for a second stage remain underway.
“Both President Trump and President Biden have given full backing to Israel’s right to return to the fighting, if Israel reaches the conclusion that the second stage negotiations are ineffectual. I greatly appreciate this,” the Israeli leader stated.
“I also greatly appreciate President Trump’s decision to lift the remaining restrictions on providing vital weapons and munitions to the State of Israel,” he continued.
Israel has been criticized for violent airstrikes in Gaza, which have left tens of thousands dead. However, Netanyahu said the country’s actions were warranted and have solidified their international defense standing.
“Citizens of Israel, the War of Redemption has demanded of us tough decisions but it is in these decisions that leadership is tested. These were decisions that took into account our comprehensive national and security considerations. I regret that I cannot detail all of them to you here,” he said.
“On October 7, we took a severe blow. We experienced terrible pain. With joint forces, we repelled our enemies and achieved considerable results. The entire world, friends and enemies alike, has been impressed by these historic achievements.”
