Nation unites in grief and pride as Israel defeats Hamas barbarity, rejects empty symbols, restores honor.
Across Israel’s political spectrum, leaders voiced a rare, unified chorus of pain, relief, and pride as the last hostage was returned from Gaza. The recovery of Ran Gvili, who fell defending civilians on October 7, closed a national wound that had remained open for months.
President Isaac Herzog marked the moment by removing the yellow ribbon pin symbolizing the hostage struggle, thanking security forces for ensuring Ran’s return to Jewish burial in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the mission’s completion, declaring that Israel promised to bring everyone home—and fulfilled that promise to the very last. In the Knesset, he recited the Shehecheyanu blessing, affirming national gratitude amid sorrow.
Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a moment of painful closure that underscored Israel’s unbreakable covenant with its soldiers and citizens. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir described Ran as a hero, saluted by an entire nation that neither forgets nor abandons its own.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the vow was fulfilled, praising the IDF’s determination. Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot, echoed the same truth: Israel’s essence is to persist, to remember, and to bring everyone home—alive or fallen.
Senior religious and community leaders emphasized the Jewish and moral dimension of burial and closure. From security chiefs to bereaved families, the message was consistent: Hamas sought erasure and terror; Israel answered with duty, memory, and action.
International allies took note. US President Donald Trump hailed the operation’s success, while US Ambassador Mike Huckabee publicly removed his yellow ribbon pin, declaring all hostages home. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon summed it up bluntly: Israel acts while others stay silent.
Ran Gvili rushed to defend his people while awaiting surgery—first to go, last to return. His homecoming is not symbolism. It is proof that Israel’s war is one of responsibility, not spectacle; of civilization against terror.
