President Isaac Herzog met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the prime minister's departure to Washington on Sunday, expressing his hopes for a hostage deal and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Herzog emphasized the importance of the trip as a significant step in advancing a hostage deal and said he hoped the diplomatic effort could serve as an opening for other regional developments.
Netanyahu and Herzog discussed the opportunity to develop US President Donald Trump's Abraham Accords initiative.
The president reiterated that he "does not take the potential costs" of a hostage deal lightly and understands the concerns, but he is confident that the cabinet and security establishment will know how to deal with the challenges.
"The prime minister's trip to Washington is an important mission aimed at advancing a deal that will bring all our kidnapped brothers and sisters back home; this is a supreme moral duty. I offer full support to these efforts – even when it involves difficult, complex, and painful decisions."
"It is our collective duty to remember that the price is not simple, but I am confident that the cabinet and the security establishment will succeed in dealing with the challenges, as they have done so far."
Herzog thanks Trump for combating Iran's nuclear program
"I would like to thank US President Donald Trump for his support in combating Iran's nuclear program and for his unwavering support of Israel. I call on the world leaders and international partners to use all their influence to bring about a breakthrough. This is a humanitarian, moral, and national mission, and we have no time to waste."
"I congratulate the negotiation delegation that will be heading to Doha and wish the Prime Minister great success in his important mission. A united nation follows, hopes, and prays to see all the kidnapped return as quickly as possible," Herzog concluded.