\u201cPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,\u201d he started, before being interrupted by a wave of boos. The crowd then began to chant Trump\u2019s name. Witkoff responded by saying, \u201cOK,\u201d and letting out an embarrassed chuckle.<\/p>\n
\u201cOK, let me just finish my thought,\u201d Witkoff said as the boos continued, and resumed earnestly: \u201cI was in the trenches with the prime minister. Believe me, he was a very important part here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u05e7\u05e8\u05d9\u05d0\u05d5\u05ea \u05d1\u05d5\u05d6 \u05d1\u05db\u05d9\u05db\u05e8 \u05d4\u05d7\u05d8\u05d5\u05e4\u05d9\u05dd \u05db\u05e9\u05e1\u05d8\u05d9\u05d1 \u05d5\u05d5\u05d9\u05d8\u05e7\u05d5\u05e3 \u05d4\u05d6\u05db\u05d9\u05e8 \u05d0\u05ea \u05e8\u05d4\u05f4\u05de \u05e0\u05ea\u05e0\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5. pic.twitter.com\/06FYqg4ta4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 \u05de\u05d4 \u05d7\u05d3\u05e9. What’s new\u2753 (@Gloz111) October 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0\n<\/p>\n He then praised Netanyahu at greater length.<\/p>\n \u201cThe prime minister and his staff, Ron Dermer, have both sacrificed so much for this country and devoted their lives to the service of Israel. Their dedication to the history and destiny of this nation stands out tonight,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019ve given everything, their time, their energy, and their hearts, to building a safer, stronger future for the Jewish people. Their commitment to this country has never wavered.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Later in his address, when he mentioned Trump\u2019s name, there were overwhelming cheers. The rallies for the release of the 48 remaining hostages \u2014 20 of whom are alive \u2014 have often appealed directly to Trump for help, including with huge banners held above the crowd.<\/p>\n \t Crowds in Tel Aviv\u2019s Hostages Square carry a banner, \u201cNobel President Trump,\u201d on October 11, 2025. (Amir Goldstein \/ Hostages Families Forum.)<\/p>\n The rallies, which have taken place weekly for much of the two years since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack in which the hostages were abducted, also often see harsh criticism of Netanyahu. Speakers have blamed him for allowing the attack to occur, for a perceived lack of commitment to freeing the hostages, and for other policies.<\/p>\n Several of the hostages\u2019 families expressed dismay that Netanyahu\u2019s name was booed, telling Channel 12 this was inappropriate.<\/p>\n Blue and White-National Unity chair Benny Gantz criticized the timing of the jeers at the rally, calling it a \u201cmistake\u201d to boo the prime minister during a US official\u2019s speech.<\/p>\n \u201cI have tremendous appreciation for the broad public that comes, week after week, to Hostages Square and to rallies across the country. And I am also part of it. But even when there are differences of opinion, to boo the prime minister of Israel, in front of the American administration envoy and in the presence of the hostages\u2019 families \u2013 that is a mistake,\u201d he wrote on X. \u201cNot today, and not in front of those people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am certain that these shouts do not represent the majority of the people of Israel, nor the majority of those present in the square,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n Ministers in Netanyahu\u2019s Likud party also condemned the booing crowd, with Education Minister Yoav Kisch calling the protesters the \u201cextremist fringes\u201d of Israeli society.<\/p>\n \u201cThese extremist fringes do not represent the majority of the people of Israel, who support the agreement and are grateful to those who brought it about \u2014 Netanyahu and [Strategic Affairs Minister Ron] Dermer,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n Justice Minister Yariv Levin called the boos \u201ca great disgrace\u201d and \u201ca shameful display of ingratitude toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, who led the State of Israel through one of its most difficult times and achieved the tremendous accomplishments\u2026 that include the return of the hostages.\u201d<\/p>\n Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar posted on X that the \u201cburning hatred that broke out today with the harsh boos in Hostages Square again proves Prime Minister Netanyahu\u2019s resilience as he withstood all pressures.\u201d<\/p>\n \t Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Robn Dermer in Jerusalem on October 9, 2025. (Maayan Toaf\/GPO)<\/p>\n Likud also issued a statement in support of Netanyahu, calling the jeering protesters \u201cbooing the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter how much you shout, you are booing the truth. Steve Witkoff and everyone who was there knows that without the determination, creativity, strategy, and courage of Prime Minister Netanyahu, the hostages would not be returning home,\u201d the party\u2019s statement read.<\/p>\n
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