President Isaac Herzog: Return the hostages - every last one of them

President Isaac Herzog reiterated his call today (Monday) for the release of all the hostages, despite the fears and concerns about the concessions Israel must make for them.

Speaking at the President's Residence this morning, he said:

"We are in an especially turbulent time—a time of pain and concern, yet also a time that carries a glimmer of relief and hope. The hostages who have returned and begun their recovery have brought us tremendous relief, emotion, and faith. They have reinforced our deep understanding of the immense importance of redeeming captives and the vast potential these efforts hold for our healing and renewal. These are critical moments in which I repeat my call to complete all stages of the deal and swiftly bring back all our abducted brothers and sisters—every last one of them."

"Of course, I do not take lightly the fears, concerns, and pain associated with this deal—I understand them well. But we must remember: this is the highest covenant between the state and its citizens. We are all worried for our brothers and sisters still held by the terrorist organizations in Gaza, including the beloved Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, whose fate has gripped the entire nation in anxiety for nearly 500 days.

“On behalf of us all, I embrace the families of the hostages—those whose loved ones have returned and are now facing the long and difficult path of recovery and healing, and those who still live in anguish, yearning for news that will grant them a breath of relief.

“I once again call on all of us to uphold Israel’s sacred mutual responsibility and to recognize the profound truth that whoever saves a single life, it is as if they have saved an entire world. Together with you, I pray for the recovery of the wounded, for the success and safety of all IDF soldiers, and for the return of displaced families and communities to their homes."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from both those who seek to complete the hostage deal, whatever the cost, and those within his coalition and his voters who believe the war must be restarted before that to finish off Hamas.