Netanyahu says he and Trump had 'very warm' phone call, including the need for 'victory' over Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he and President-elect Donald Trump had a “very warm” phone call Saturday in which they discussed the need for Israel’s victory in its war against Hamas and its stance on Syria.  

Netanyahu released a video statement in which he said they spoke of the need to bring home the remaining hostages in Gaza, and of Israel’s commitment to prevent the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah from rearming in Lebanon, according to CNN.

“I discussed all of this again last night with my friend, US President-elect Donald Trump,” Netanyahu said.

“It was a very friendly, very warm and very important conversation. We spoke about the need to complete Israel’s victory, and we also spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages.”

There are still approximately 100 hostages being held in Gaza, including seven Americans. It is not known how many are still alive. This stems from the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed, thousands more injured, and 251 originally taken hostage. 

Regarding Syria, Netanyahu said that Israel had “no interest in a conflict” but would adjust its policy based on the “emerging reality on the ground.”