The Israeli Prime Minister's Office released a voice recording in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heard speaking to freed Israeli hostage Noa Argamani. In the recording, Netanyahu expressed his joy at Argamani's rescue, assuring her that they never gave up on her. Argamani had become a symbol of the October 7 attacks after a video surfaced showing her pleading from the seat of a motorbike as Hamas fighters drove away with her.
During the conversation, Argamani shared her excitement at speaking Hebrew again after a long time. Netanyahu's office confirmed that the prime minister had approved the rescue operation and was present in the command room during the operation.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also spoke with Argamani, conveying his excitement and well wishes for her reunion with her mother, who is battling late-stage brain cancer. Herzog expressed his heartfelt wishes for Argamani's health and safe return home.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the Israeli forces for their bravery during the operation, emphasizing their commitment to bringing all hostages home. The successful rescue mission was hailed as a beacon of hope by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who welcomed the freed hostages and reiterated the nation's ongoing efforts to secure the release of all captives.
