Bibi Was Right All Along

What a moment of profound joy for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide as we stand united in celebration—the war in Gaza has ended, and the long-awaited return of our hostages is set for this coming Monday.

For over two grueling years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led the nation through an extraordinarily complex and perilous conflict. His unwavering leadership guided Israel as it fought Hamas in Gaza to rescue our captives, dismantled the Hezbollah and Syrian threats in the North, punished the Houthis for their relentless missile and drone assaults, subdued persistent terrorism from Judea and Samaria, and—most consequentially—neutralized Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Throughout this arduous struggle, critics abounded. Many questioned Netanyahu’s motives, accusing him of prolonging the war to remain in power. Yet, time has revealed the wisdom of his strategic vision. His steadfast objectives never faltered: to bring our hostages home, to demilitarize Gaza, and to eradicate the Hamas regime, ensuring that terror would never again dictate the destiny of our region.

As Jews, the pain of watching much of the world turn against us was shattering. First came the disbelief at Hamas’s savage atrocities on October 7, 2023—the rapes, the mutilations, and the burning and decapitation of children. Then followed the grotesque distortions. There were accusations that Israel had orchestrated the attack itself or committed genocide in Gaza. The ancient venom of antisemitism resurfaced under new disguises—calls to eliminate Jews, Israelis, and Zionists once again echoing through streets and screens. Most tragic of all were those few, alienated voices within our own people—disconnected “Jews” and even self-described “rabbis”—who treacherously aided and amplified the lies and attacks of our enemies. Among these were some who even lent support to the ludicrous and destructive BDS movement, actively seeking to isolate and economically harm Israel at the very moment she fought for her existence. Their betrayal is a stain that may never be fully erased.

Yet the heart of Am Yisrael remained strong. Through rocket barrages and missile storms, through the cries of the captives in the tunnels of Gaza, our faith in G‑d never wavered. We believed that He was testing us, but also guiding and protecting us. Many of us also held faith in Netanyahu’s vision and resolve. Looking back now, we can acknowledge with gratitude and humility that he was right. His insistence on “finishing the job” and his belief in peace through strength have prevailed. In consequence, we have begun to see the fruits of that steadfastness emerge: Hamas defeated, the hostages coming home, hope for a more peaceful future in the region, the Jewish community more united, and even a renewed anticipation in the coming of the Mashiach.

Making the success happen on the ground, the courage and sacrifice of the IDF—Israel’s sons and daughters—will forever stand as one of the proudest chapters in our nation’s history. In the face of the world’s condemnation, they fought urban battles of unimaginable difficulty while confronting an enemy that weaponized its own civilians. Yet even amid that horror, the IDF upheld its moral compass—protecting innocent lives wherever possible, even at great personal risk. Over 1,150 of these brave warriors and other security personnel laid down their lives in defense of our people, our land, and our future. Their heroism embodies the spirit of Israel itself. Kol haKavod to these extraordinary individuals.

We must also extend our gratitude to President Donald Trump, whose unwavering support and decisive diplomacy brought forth the 20-point peace plan that paved the way for the war’s end and the return of our loved ones. His consistent defense of Israel on the world stage—through UN votes, military aid, humanitarian outreach, and a firm stand against rising antisemitism in America—reinforced the unbreakable bond between our nations. Both Trump and Netanyahu have exemplified strength and resolve guided by principle—firm in action yet measured in restraint—to protect innocent life while achieving strategic victory.

And while we rejoice in this victory, we remain vigilant. Israel is fully prepared for whatever lies ahead, knowing that Hamas has proven time and again it cannot be trusted to honor peace. Our readiness is not born of fear but of hard-earned wisdom from years of defending our people and our land.

Now, as we close this painful but triumphant chapter, may we pray that the ceasefire endures, that every last hostage is reunited with their family, and that enduring peace blesses the Middle East. Let us remember always who stood beside us, who stood against us, and who, under the watchful eye of G‑d and His mighty outstretched hand, led us to this remarkable and righteous victory.