On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

As part of the cease-fire agreement, Israel and Hamas have exchanged their first captives and prisoners.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.
On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expressing gratitude to Donald Trump for his efforts to secure the release of hostages from Hamas, referring to him as a "true friend" of the country.

Herzog, on behalf of the people of Israel, congratulated President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th POTUS.

Your unwavering commitment to Israel's security and building a better future for our region is greatly appreciated. Additionally, your dedication to bringing all our hostages home is truly commendable.

"We wish you and your administration success in serving the American people. Best of luck!" Herzog said.

Israeli President Herzog and Trump
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, left, and President-elect Donald Trump. (Antonio Masiello/Valerie Plesch/Getty Images)

As part of a cease-fire and hostage release agreement, Hamas released three hostages it had been holding in captivity for nearly 500 days.

In exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank.

According to Ronen Neutra, whose son Omer was killed by Hamas terrorists, President Trump's clear message, "By my inauguration, I want to see hostages coming out, or else there will be hell to pay," had a huge impact in the Middle East, and they are hopeful that with his leadership, all 98 hostages will be released starting today, including the three female hostages.

Emily Damari released
Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy are seen near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza on Sunday, Jan. 19. (AP/Israeli Army)

Trump stated last week that the EPIC cease-fire agreement was a result of his administration's historic victory in November, which signaled to the world that he would seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and allies.

Biden and Herzog meet at White House
President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with President Biden while meeting at the White House on Nov. 12, 2024. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

He expressed excitement that American and Israeli hostages would be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.

Planet Chronicle' Taylor Penley contributed to this report.

by Greg Norman

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