Trump reportedly calls Netanyahu ahead of crucial hostage deal summit as hostage families & US rabbis demand agreement

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss the hostage release deal with Hamas, ahead of a crucial summit set to start in Doha on Thursday.

A week ago, leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar called for a high-level summit to significantly advance the hostage deal and truce negotiations. Israel agreed to attend, while Hamas refused to do so.

Trump’s call was intended to encourage Netanyahu to agree to a deal, Axios News reported overnight on Wednesday. However, one of its sources added that it was uncertain whether Trump did, indeed, push Netanyahu toward a deal.

On Thursday morning, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) denied the reports of a call between the leaders.

Trump hasn’t spoken in depth about the ongoing war in Gaza but has reiterated several times that it wouldn’t have happened had he been president and that Israel should end the war as soon as possible.

Speaking to Netanyahu in his home in Mar-a-Lago last month, Trump said the remaining 115 Israeli hostages were in a very tough situation and should be returned home immediately.

The Biden administration has been the main driver behind the Thursday summit and sent high-level diplomatic envoys to the Middle East to prepare the ground.

On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said a deal was critical to release the hostages, bring relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and lower regional tensions.

While Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been the main obstacle to reaching a deal – and was said to be more open to an agreement before publicly refusing to send a delegate to the meeting – most of the public pressure from the U.S. and inside Israel appears to be focused on Netanyahu.

In an hours-long meeting to prepare for the talks on Wednesday, heads of Israel’s security and intelligence services told the prime minister that time was running out and that his insistence on some positions could cost the lives of hostages, according to Axios.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu approved the departure of the Israeli delegation on Thursday while significantly broadening its mandate. A “political source” stressed that Netanyahu did not abandon his red line and that the IDF would not vacate the Philadelphi Route.

In an open letter published on Wednesday, a group of 99 Jewish clergy from across the United States called on Netanyahu to reach a hostage deal. Signatories included well-known rabbis from across the Jewish denominational spectrum, including Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Renewal and Secular Humanistic leaders.

“We urgently call upon the Israeli Prime Minister and all relevant parties to finalize the deal on the table –outlined by President Biden and endorsed by Qatar, Egypt, and the UN Security Council – and to bring much-needed relief to those suffering,” the statement read.

“We can’t start healing as the Jewish people in Israel and the global diaspora until our brothers and sisters are home: We are compelled by the mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim [the redeeming of captives] to take decisive action and ensure the safe return of all 115 hostages.”

“Time is running out, and we must seize this opportunity to restore hope to the region,” according to the leaders.

In Israel, the hostage families renewed their public protests and calls for Netanyahu to agree to a deal ahead of the summit.

On Thursday morning, several family members gave a public statement in Tel Aviv before marching to the Likud party headquarters.

“We need our leaders to show leadership. They need to make the moral, value, Jewish decision - the return of all the abductees,” said Rubi Chen, father of Sgt. Itay Chen, who was killed and captured by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7. Chen's body has been held in Gaza ever since.

“I trust the professional [negotiating] team, they sit with us, hear and feel our pain. I believe they will bring the best deal they can, and then they will reach the Israeli government, which will have to decide whether we can move forward to our next chapter as a nation, or whether political considerations will come into play.”

Speaking to Ynet News, Chen said, “The Americans ask us every time how it is that Israeli citizens have such a short memory. This administration has proven that it stands by Israel, and then they hear from senior [Israeli] ministers that America is pushing for a ‘surrender agreement.’ If there is no agreement now, the political reality will further distance our ability to reach it.”

Danny Elgert, whose brother Itzik is being held hostage in Gaza, added: “Bibi [Netanyahu], it came out exactly as you didn’t intend it. You eliminated Haniyeh to torpedo the deal, but it seems that today the Iranians are pressing for a ceasefire. It is no longer up to you.”

“The regional war you have brought will free the hostages. You missed the opportunity to leave a little better than you entered this event. We don't trust you.”

In the evening, hostage families will hold a “last chance” march in Tel Aviv under the slogan: “Don’t come back without a deal! Negotiate until there is white smoke.”