Moving Tribute
Steve Witkoff's Stunning Address at Hostages Square | WATCH
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner address the crowd at Kikar HaKtzofim, praising courage and hope; Ivanka Kushner relays Trump’s support, while Israeli leaders respond to boos against Netanyahu.
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered on Saturday evening at Kikar HaKtzofim in Tel Aviv to mark the anticipated return of hostages, joined by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and accompanied by Ivanka Trump.
The crowd welcomed the envoys with cheers, applause, and shouts of “Thank you!”
Witkoff addressed the crowd: “I’ve been waiting for this night. I only wish President Trump could be here to see this. He would have loved it.” The crowd responded with chants of “Thank you, Trump.”
He added, “Tonight we are united in prayer for peace. We are celebrating a moment many thought impossible. Peace born from the courage of those who refused to give up hope. You carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the world.”
Kushner highlighted Trump’s role, saying, “Every time we hit a wall, we said, ‘Let’s try again.’ Seeing Trump’s commitment to Middle East prosperity is unlike anything else. Thank you for your dedication to ending this terrible conflict.”
He continued, “Tonight, I could not be prouder to be a friend of the State of Israel. Since October 7, my heart has not been whole, seeing the hostages and their families ending the nightmare, and witnessing the suffering end for the people of Gaza, many of whom were born into this horrific situation.”
Witkoff also spoke about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “I have been in discussions with the Prime Minister. Believe me, he has an important role here,” responding to boos from the crowd.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin condemned the boos: “The voices heard tonight in Tel Aviv, while Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu, are a disgrace. It was a shameful expression of ingratitude toward a leader who guided Israel through one of its most difficult periods, achieving remarkable results over the past two years, including the return of hostages, a victory for Israel, not a surrender, as some in the crowd demanded over the last two years.”
Levin added, “I stood beside the Prime Minister during the hardest hours. I saw how he led the country and cared sincerely for the hostages, even when some thought their return was impossible.”
He concluded: “Prime Minister Netanyahu, the overwhelming majority of Israeli citizens appreciate your work and thank you tonight as well. Thank you.”