Jerusalem, 12 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public Sunday night. In his address, Netanyahu thanked the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) for bringing about the return of the Israeli hostages from Gaza and warned that the threat to Israel’s security has not ended.
Text of Netanyahu’s address translated from the Hebrew:
“Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters. This is an emotional evening. An evening of tears, an evening of joy. Because tomorrow the sons will return to their border.”
“This is a historic event that is filled with sadness over the release of murderers – and joy over the return of hostages. This is a historic event that some didn’t believe would happen. But our warriors believed. Many in the nation believed. And I believed.”
“I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I hope also in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because with joint forces we achieved tremendous victories. Victories that amazed the entire world. And I want to say: Everywhere we fought – we won.”
“But equally, I must tell you: the campaign is not over. There are still very big security challenges ahead of us. Some of our enemies are trying to recover in order to attack us again. And as they say here – ‘We’re on it.’ There are also great opportunities that we didn’t know existed – precisely because of the victories we brought.”
“I am convinced that with joint efforts we will overcome the challenges and realize the opportunities. During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the kidnapped. We saw their pain, their longing, their tears. These meetings accompanied me in every decision I made during the war. We hugged the families, and I promised them: ‘I will not rest until I bring your loved ones back.’”
“I would like to thank the IDF soldiers, the commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost their dearest, our wounded heroes who bear their pain in body and soul, and I would like to thank you, the citizens of Israel. You who stood firm, day after day, with love for our country and faith in the righteousness of our path.”
“Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of construction, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts. Together we will continue to strengthen our country, together we will continue to win, and with God’s help – together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”