He also spoke about the significance of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, saying "It bears the potential of both bringing back our hostages and ensuring that Hamas doesn't commit the horrible massacre they did on 7th October (2023)."
An attempt to smuggle tobacco into Israel in a quantity of over a ton, while evading tax payment in the amount of approximately 1.7 million Shekels (USD 476,000) was thwarted by Israeli tax authorities.
The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has led to the return of three Israeli hostages after 471 days in Gaza. Israel views this as a step toward securing the release of all hostages, while hoping for an end to Hamas' control in Gaza.
Addressing the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Victory Rally on Sunday (local time) Trump stated, "We achieved an epic ceasefire agreement as a first step towards lasting peace in the Middle East. This agreement could have happened only as a result of our historic victory in November."
Three women have been in captivity for 471 days since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others.
US President Joe Biden announced the release of three Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, initiated in May, also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza and outlines steps for future negotiations
Highligthing the regional security dynamics, he stressed on the need to stop Iran's "quest" for nuclear weapons. Ambassador Azar also warned that "peace won't prevail" if Hamas is allowed to rearm and regroup.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the deal would take effect at 11:15 am (local time) on Sunday. Notably, the deal was earlier set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 (local time).