Netanyahu on Hostage Returns: "The Campaign is Not Over," Major Security Challenges Lie Ahead 

In a recorded statement released on the evening before the anticipated return of hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a note that mixed deep emotion with solemn caution. The exchange, scheduled to commence early the next morning, around 6:00 AM, marks a pivotal moment, yet the Prime Minister stressed that this is not the end of Israel's military and security efforts.

"This is an emotional evening, tomorrow sons will return to their border," the Prime Minister declared. He described the event as "historic," noting it is "mixed with sadness over the release of murderers, and joy over the return of hostages." Netanyahu acknowledged that many doubted such a development was possible, adding, "Our fighters believed. Many among the people believed. And I believed."

Addressing the internal divisions that have plagued the country, Netanyahu appealed for unity. "I know there are many disputes among us. But on this day, and I hope in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because through joint forces, we have achieved tremendous victories." He asserted that Israel’s victories have "astonished the entire world," adding, "Everywhere we fought, we won."

However, he immediately pivoted to the security landscape, injecting a stark note of realism into the celebratory atmosphere. "I must tell you, the campaign is not over. There are still very big security challenges ahead of us." He explicitly warned that Israel's adversaries are actively plotting their return, stating, "Some of our enemies are trying to rebuild their strength to attack us again. And as we say here, 'we are on it'." He also suggested that the victories achieved have unlocked "great opportunities we have not known before."

Netanyahu concluded his remarks by thanking the security forces and looking toward the future. "Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path, a path of building, healing, and I hope, a path of unity of hearts."

In the background of the joyous returns, logistical complications regarding the deceased hostages persist. Both Hamas and Israeli officials have conceded that the terror group does not know the whereabouts of all 28 bodies of the hostages. Consequently, Hamas is expected to have difficulty meeting the 72-hour deadline set out in the American President Donald Trump's framework. An international force comprising the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey is expected to join the efforts to locate the missing remains.

In other news, the Prime Minister successfully sought to postpone his court testimony in his ongoing trial, which had been scheduled for Wednesday. The request, citing "historic regional and international developments," including a planned visit by the President of Cyprus, was granted by the prosecution on the condition that the testimony be rescheduled for Thursday.