Netanyahu declares prayers answered as all hostages and remains are returned

Hours before Rosh Hashanah, Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a recorded address in Hebrew, reflecting on the past year’s milestones. He announced that the long-awaited return of every Israeli hostage—both living and deceased—had been achieved, citing footage of emotional reunions and families receiving closure. The release of the final living captives occurred by Oct. 13, 2025, following a ceasefire agreement signed on Oct. 10, 2025, which also arranged the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu confirmed the recovery of the remains of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Yekutiel Katz, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub, and Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, whose bones were returned on Jan. 26. He linked these outcomes to the blessings recited before the Rosh Hashanah meal, stating they “work” despite delays and pain. The speech also touched on Operation Roaring Lion, a joint Israeli-U.S. strike against Iran, which he said fulfilled another prayer for the removal of enemies. Finally, he praised Israel’s economic and technological achievements, asserting the nation’s status as a global power.