President Isaac Herzog hosted bereaved families, families of hostages, and reservists today (Thursday) at his residence, where they presented him with a declaration of support for the current hostage deal aimed at returning all 98 hostages.
In their declaration, the families expressed their support for Israel’s political and security leadership, urging immediate action to bring back all hostages and ensure the future and security of the State of Israel.
Herzog said that "I want to strengthen the families of the hostages who are present here. From the depths of my heart, I say that truly everything must be done to bring everyone home—everyone. Of course, I support the proposed deal; it is the right, just, and necessary thing to do. This is a deal that encompasses all the hostages and must be implemented at every stage."
He then explained why it is so vital that a hostage deal go through: “This is an essential element of our national resilience and reflects our values of mutual responsibility and unity. Unity is critical, and the nation desires it far more than what is sometimes reflected in the national and media discourse.
“Right now, what we must do is provide full backing. There is a tough negotiation over a very significant detail, and I hope and expect that it will be concluded as quickly as possible.
“God willing, we will start seeing them come home. If we do not bring them home, we will be left with a scar that will remain with our people for generations. We must do everything—everything—to bring them back!”
Last night, President Herzog gave a public statement, asking that the Israeli government approve the reportedly completed hostage deal, but also that everyone show sympathy both to those who support the deal and those who fear its consequences.
As of the present writing, the deal remains in limbo over what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls a last-minute change by Hamas.
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