Photo by
Yossi Zeliger/TPS-IL on 17 December, 2024
Rumors Swirl of Possible Hostage Deal, Netanyahu’s Whereabouts
Jerusalem, 17 December, 2024 (TPS-IL) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly seen leaving Tuesday morning in a helicopter from a helipad at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, a location he is known to frequently use. The destination of his flight remains unclear, fueling speculation about his whereabouts.
This follows an unconfirmed report that Netanyahu requested through his lawyers on Monday night to delay his ongoing testimony in his corruption trial. Netanyahu was scheduled to continue giving testimony in Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Details surrounding the Prime Minister’s movements have not been confirmed, and no official comment has been made by his office at this time.
Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated “We have no further details at this time. We welcome any progress in the ongoing negotiations and hope all hostages will soon return to their homes safely.”
Regarding a hostage deal, Defense Minister Israel Katz told the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday, “We are closer than ever before,” then adding, “It’s better to say less about it now.”‘
Over the past 24 hours, there have been unverified reports from Palestinian media outlets, including a journalist based in Qatar, suggesting that a deal is imminent and could be concluded at any moment. These reports remain unconfirmed.
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At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 97 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.
