Netanyahu hails Trump as Israel’s ‘greatest friend’ over Gaza deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday hailed President Donald Trump as the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had, as Hamas freed the last 20 living hostages under the new peace deal.

“No American president has ever done so much for Israel,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not even close.”

He thanked Trump for “standing up for Israel” at the United Nations, recognizing Israel’s rights in the West Bank – or Judea and Samaria – and withdrawing from the “disastrous” nuclear deal with Iran.

“Thank you for supporting Operation Rising Lion and for your bold decision to launch Operation Midnight Hammer,” Netanyahu said, referring to the June strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “Boy, you need to hear this – it’s the most apt name ever given to a military operation, because shortly after midnight you really hammered them.”

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Netanyahu announced that he had named Trump as the first non-Israeli recipient of the Israel Prize, which he described as the country’s “highest award.”

During his own speech, Trump said of Netanyahu with a smile: “He’s not easy — he’s not the easiest man to deal with — but that’s what makes him great.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday hailed President Donald Trump as the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had, as Hamas freed the last 20 living hostages under the new peace deal. ((Photo by SAUL LOEB / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty Images))

After Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages, leading to two years of fighting in Gaza and leaving tens of thousands dead, Israel and Hamas agreed last week to a landmark peace deal after months of mediation by Trump administration officials.

The prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas began on Monday, with Hamas releasing the last 20 living hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The release was part of a broader 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict and rebuilding Gaza. So far, only four of the 28 hostages presumed dead have been returned.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Israel halted its military operations and withdrew to predefined lines while preparations for a full hostage exchange began. Hamas members who renounce violence will be granted amnesty or safe passage, while those who continue resistance will be excluded from future governance of Gaza.

Humanitarian aid – including essential supplies, infrastructure repairs and medical support – will flow freely to Gaza under the supervision of the United Nations, the Red Crescent and other neutral organizations.

“No American president has ever done so much for Israel,” Netanyahu said. “It’s not even close.” ((Photo by Kenny Holston – Piscine/Getty Images))

Netanyahu hailed Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” in his Knesset speech. (Evan Vucci/Piscine via Reuters)

Governance of Gaza will pass to a Palestinian technocratic committee overseen by an international “Peace Council” chaired by Trump, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other world leaders. This body will manage the redevelopment of Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority is ready to take control.

A Trump-led economic development plan will seek to attract international investment and transform Gaza into a “modern, prosperous miracle city,” supported by a special economic zone with preferential trade terms. The plan promises that no residents will be forced to leave Gaza, emphasizing voluntary participation in reconstruction efforts.

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Security arrangements include the creation of a US-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train Palestinian police, secure borders and oversee disarmament. Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza, but will gradually withdraw as security steps are completed. Regional partners, including Egypt and Jordan, will help ensure compliance with the agreement and prevent the resurgence of militant threats.