^{Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades parade Israeli captive Eli Sharabi in Deir al-Balah, the Gaza Strip, before handing him over to the International Red Cross, Feb 8, 2025. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90.}

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to freed hostage Eli Sharabi on Sunday night ahead of Sharabi’s trip to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The premier welcomed his return home—the 52-year-old was released on Feb. 8 after 491 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza—and offered condolences regarding the loss of Sharabi’s wife and daughters, who were murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, as well as of his brother Yossi, who was taken captive during the massacre and murdered in captivity.

“I understand the magnitude of the loss; this is awful. I want you to know that I regret that it took us such a long time,” said Netanyahu. “We fought hard to get you out; your brother and the entire family fought hard. Sharon [Eli’s brother] was in close contact with me the entire time,” he added, according to a transcript of the conversation provided on Monday by the government.

“I tried to speak with you about 10 days ago and I am pleased that it is happening now. I greatly appreciate the bravery with which you have told about what you endured, and it is very important that you also tell this to President Trump,” Netanyahu continued.

“I wish you a successful trip, and when you return, I would be pleased for us to meet, when it is possible. We embrace you with all our hearts,” he concluded.

For his part, Sharabi told the premier that he was happy to be home and reunited with his family, but stressed the urgency of securing the release of the remaining hostages.

“The other hostages, certainly the living, urgently need to return home to their families,” said Sharabi. “And of course, the deceased hostages, including my brother Yossi, must be brought back for burial in Israel so their families can cry over their graves,” he continued.

“I thank you for your efforts in this direction. Sharon and I will make our efforts with President Trump, and maybe with our joint efforts we will bring this saga to a close,” he said.

To which Netanyahu replied: “This is the objective, and I want you to know that we will not relent for a moment, including even as I am speaking to you.”

Sharabi is one of seven former hostages flying to Washington this week to meet with U.S. government officials, according to the Hostages Families Forum, which named the other six as Doron Steinbrecher, Keith and Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Omer Shem Tov and Iair Horn.

“The released hostages will come to express their gratitude to the Trump administration for the president’s unwavering commitment to bringing all the hostages home and will provide firsthand testimony about the horrors of Hamas’ tunnels,” tweeted the hostage advocacy group.

“Government officials will hear about the urgency of returning all hostages immediately and in a single phase,” the statement continued.

Trump invited the Israeli freed hostages to the meeting at the White House after viewing portions of Sharabi’s testimony regarding his time in captivity. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.

Israeli assessments indicate that Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza are holding 59 hostages. Of these, 24 are believed to be alive—all men—while 35, including three women, are believed to be deceased. Two of the living hostages and three of the deceased are foreign nationals.

Source: JNS