Netanyahu sees ‘broad regional possibilities' after conflict with Iran, prioritises release of hostages held in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday (June 29), said that releasing the hostages held by Hamas was atop his priority list.
He highlighted that the recent conflict with Iran opened up 'broad regional possibilities', particularly securing the release of 50 remaining captives in Gaza.
'Many opportunities have opened up: first and foremost to rescue the hostages, but also for broader regional prospects. Of course, we will also need to resolve the issue of Gaza, to defeat Hamas, but I believe we will accomplish both tasks,' Netanyahu said during his visit to a Shin Bet facility in southern Israel.
The Israeli prime minister's comments mark a significant shift in his stance, as previously he emphasised that the war would not stop until Hamas was defeated.
The remarks also come as the Jerusalem District Court, citing classified diplomatic and security grounds, postponed Netanyahu's testimony this week in the ongoing corruption trial.
This fuelled speculation that the efforts were being made to end the war in Gaza.
'Netanyahu in process of hostage negotiation with Hamas,' says Trump
Netanyahu's remarks also come as US President Donald Trump on Sunday said in a Truth Social post that Netanyahu was involved in securing a deal with Hamas, which would include the return of hostages and a possible ceasefire.
The US president denounced the corruption trial against Netanyahu and said that this 'political witch hunt' is not allowing the Israeli prime minister to conduct talks with both Hamas and Iran to his ability.
'It is terrible what they are doing in Israel to Bibi Netanyahu. He is a War Hero, and a Prime Minister who did a fabulous job working with the United States…Importantly, he is right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, which will include getting the Hostages back,' Trump said.
Defending Netanyahu against the corruption trial, Trump further said, 'The travesty of 'Justice' will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. In other words, it is INSANITY to do what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu.'
Earlier, Trump gave a timeline for the truce to be signed between Israel and Hamas and said that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict would be reached within a week.
(With inputs from Haaretz and Reuters)
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