Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s readiness to enact the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan while insisting coordination will follow Israel’s principles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a carefully worded statement on Saturday in response to US President Donald Trump’s call for Israel to immediately halt strikes in the Gaza Strip.
“Following Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of President Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all the hostages,” Netanyahu’s office announced.
The statement added that Jerusalem would “continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team in order to bring the war to an end in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel, which are consistent with President Trump’s vision.”
Netanyahu’s response came just hours after President Trump urged an immediate pause in Israeli military operations, saying it would enable the safe and swift release of hostages held by Hamas.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that.”
He added that negotiations were already underway, stressing,
“This is not about Gaza alone — this is about long-sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Trump’s message followed Hamas’s partial acceptance of his peace framework, which includes a hostage exchange and phased ceasefire, though the terror group continues to reject any terms requiring disarmament.
By affirming Israel’s readiness to proceed with Trump’s “first stage,” Netanyahu signaled cooperation with Washington — but underlined that any implementation will adhere to Israel’s core security principles, ensuring Hamas cannot regroup or threaten Israeli citizens again.
