Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the return of the hostages and also emphasized his stance on ensuring their security in a Thursday video statement published on X/Twitter.
The video address began with Netanyahu warmly welcoming the newly released hostages Agam Berger, Gadi Moses, and Arbel Yehud, freed from Hamas captivity through Israel's recent ceasefire deal with the terror group.
"Agam, Arbel, Gadi - welcome home! The entire State of Israel embraces you, and so do my wife Sarah and I," Netanyahu began.
Recounting the events of the hostage release, he said, "We witnessed shocking events. We made it clear to the mediators that we would not accept any risk to our hostages."
Netanyahu then threatened anyone who would consider harming the returned hostages, stating, "I also want to add—whoever dares to harm our hostages will have their blood on their own hands [be taking their life into their own hands]."
אגם, ארבל, גדי - ברוך שובכם הביתה! מי שיעז לפגוע בחטופינו - דמו בראשו. pic.twitter.com/ZFezTEvUBO
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) January 30, 2025
Netanyahu thanks 'heroic soldiers'
Netanyahu also recounted how the hostage deal was achieved, stating that it was due primarily "to our heroic soldiers, and it was also accomplished thanks to the firm and resolute stance we maintained during the negotiations."
"We will not accept any violation of the ceasefire agreement," Netanyahu affirmed.