As Israel stands hours away from the long-awaited release of 20-22 hostages — unconfirmed reports a Nepali and an Israeli thought dead may be added — from nearly two years in Hamas captivity, a shocking act of division stained a moment meant for national unity, an embarrassing act of classlessness from those who don’t accept democracy nor appreciate masterful leadership.
A Disgrace Amid Deliverance
What should have been a solemn and unifying event — a tribute to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by American businessman Steve Witkoff and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner — turned briefly chaotic Saturday night when a small group of left-wing demonstrators booed the Prime Minister during the speeches.
The incident occurred at the Hostages’ Families Headquarters in Tel Aviv, just as Witkoff was praising Netanyahu for “his unshakable moral compass and his strength under pressure that few men on earth could endure.” The jeers erupted from a small cluster of protesters at the edge of the crowd, forcing Witkoff to pause before responding firmly:
“I came here to honor a leader who has stood for his people while the world wavered. If you can’t see that tonight, shame on you.”
Applause and chants of “Bibi! Bibi!” quickly drowned out the hecklers.
Moments later, Jared Kushner took the stage but appeared visibly uncomfortable as the interruptions resumed. Struggling to continue, he said haltingly:
“I… I just want to say that, you know, leadership in times like this… it’s… it’s something the world needs to appreciate. And Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown it.”
His awkward delivery drew some sympathy from the crowd, many of whom later described the moment as “painful to watch.” The scene underscored the depth of emotion surrounding Netanyahu’s leadership — and the pettiness of those who chose this sacred hour to jeer rather than unite.
Likud MK Tally Gotliv later called the protesters “the shame of the left.” She said, “You don’t heckle during a moment of gratitude. You don’t mock the man who has carried this nation through fire.”
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi agreed: “Those who cannot control their contempt, even as our sons and daughters are about to come home, reveal not political disagreement but moral bankruptcy.”
Netanyahu, maintaining composure, thanked Witkoff and Kushner for “their steadfast friendship” and addressed the crowd directly:
“The people of Israel are one family. We have endured pain together — and now we will rejoice together. Every hostage will come home.”
The Deal Is Imminent — Could Begin at Any Hour
Officials in Jerusalem confirm the exchange could be expedited and begin at any moment, though the most probable window is tomorrow morning, when the first Red Cross convoy is expected to move from Gaza toward Israel.
President Donald Trump, speaking from Washington late Sunday, said: “Twenty-two hostages are due to be released soon — possibly overnight or by morning.” Among them are, according to unconfirmed reports, a Nepali abducted from Kibbutz Alumim and an Israeli man presumed dead. But government confirmation is lacking. Haggling over release names continues.
The deal — negotiated through Trump’s team with Egyptian and Qatari mediation — calls for the release of 22 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including more than 200 serving life sentences for murder and terrorism. The agreement also includes the return of several hostages’ remains for burial in Israel.
A 72-hour ceasefire will accompany the exchange and may be extended if both parties comply. Any violation will cancel the truce and trigger a full resumption of Israeli military operations.
Security Preparations and Military Readiness
The IDF, Shin Bet, and Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons have completed all preparations for the complex operation. The returning hostages will enter Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing and be received at Re’im Base, where doctors, psychologists, and spiritual care teams stand ready.
Gal Hirsch, Israel’s national coordinator for hostages, told families Sunday night:
“Israel is ready. Hospitals are ready. The moment the mediators give the signal, our forces will move immediately.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified:
“This is not the end of the war — it is a humanitarian window to fulfill our moral duty. Once our people are home, we will continue until Hamas is eradicated.”
Political and Diplomatic Context
The deal marks Israel’s first major humanitarian breakthrough since the start of the war. In Washington, President Trump praised Netanyahu’s “resolve and courage under immense pressure,” while Witkoff and Kushner — who helped broker the breakthrough — remain in the region finalizing arrangements with Egypt and Qatar.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel Monday morning, meet with hostage families, and later join Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh for a summit of over 20 world leaders to plan Gaza’s reconstruction and demilitarization.
In Jerusalem, a senior official said the moment represented “a moral victory achieved through strength,” adding, “Hamas has realized that Israel negotiates from a position of power — not desperation.”
Humanitarian and Emotional Dimensions
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square, families spent the night holding candles and whispering prayers as news of the impending release spread. Many refused to celebrate until their loved ones’ names appear on the confirmed list.
Hospitals have prepared trauma and rehabilitation wards, while the IDF Rabbinate stands ready for dignified identification of the deceased.
President Isaac Herzog urged unity:
“This is a sacred hour for Israel — an hour for gratitude, not division.”
A Nation Waiting for Dawn
Across Israel, lights remain on in homes, army bases, and hospitals as the country waits for the signal — a call that could come at any moment.
If all proceeds as planned, the first Red Cross convoy will cross into Israel by sunrise, bringing back the captives whose faces have become national icons of hope.
“We have endured darkness for too long,” Netanyahu told the families. “Now we await the dawn — and with it, the return of our people.”
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