Netanyahu thanks IDF for hostage rescue, says Israel’s battle "not yet over"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on the night of October 13, expressing both gratitude and caution as he marked the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza.

In his televised speech, Netanyahu thanked the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for their role in securing the hostages’ release and warned that the threat to Israel’s security was far from over.

“Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters. This is an emotional evening. An evening of tears, an evening of joy. Because tomorrow the sons will return to their border,” Netanyahu began, speaking with visible emotion.

He described the occasion as a moment of mixed feelings. “This is a historic event that is filled with sadness over the release of murderers – and joy over the return of hostages. This is a historic event that some didn’t believe would happen. But our warriors believed. Many in the nation believed. And I believed.”

Netanyahu called on Israelis to set aside internal divisions and recognise their collective achievements. “I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I hope also in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because with joint forces, we achieved tremendous victories. Victories that amazed the entire world. And I want to say: Everywhere we fought – we won.”

He emphasized, however, that the campaign was not yet concluded. “But equally, I must tell you: the campaign is not over. There are still very big security challenges ahead of us. Some of our enemies are trying to recover in order to attack us again. And as they say here – ‘We’re on it.’ There are also great opportunities that we didn’t know existed – precisely because of the victories we brought.”

Netanyahu said he was confident Israel could overcome future threats through unity and perseverance. “I am convinced that with joint efforts we will overcome the challenges and realise the opportunities,” he said.

Reflecting on the personal toll of the conflict, Netanyahu recalled his meetings with the families of the kidnapped. “During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the kidnapped. We saw their pain, their longing, their tears. These meetings accompanied me in every decision I made during the war. We hugged the families, and I promised them: ‘I will not rest until I bring your loved ones back.’”

He went on to express gratitude to the military, security services, and citizens of Israel. “I would like to thank the IDF soldiers, the commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost their dearest, our wounded heroes who bear their pain in body and soul, and I would like to thank you, the citizens of Israel. You who stood firm, day after day, with love for our country and faith in the righteousness of our path.”

Netanyahu concluded his address with a message of hope and unity. “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of construction, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts. Together we will continue to strengthen our country, together we will continue to win, and with God’s help – together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

By Tamilla Hasanova