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Why Israel agreed to the hostage deal and what comes next

“Jerusalem Minute” with Middle East correspondent Josh Hasten, Ep. 53

Alex Traiman, Josh Hasten
(Jan. 20, 2025 / JNS)

Israel welcomed three hostages home on Jan. 19 who had been held by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023.

While this wasn’t Jerusalem’s preferred way to get the hostages back, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the deal after weeks of negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

On this episode of “Jerusalem Minute,” JNS CEO and Jerusalem bureau chief Alex Traiman, and Middle East correspondent Josh Hasten discuss all the developments that led to the deal and what may come next in the war against Hamas.

Don’t miss the up-to-minute news on “Jerusalem Minute!” Subscribe to ‪‪@JNS_TV‬.

Alex Traiman
Alex Traiman Alex Traiman
Alex Traiman is the CEO and Jerusalem bureau chief of the Jerusalem News Syndicate (JNS) and host of “Jerusalem Minute.” A seasoned Israeli journalist, documentary filmmaker and startup consultant, he is an expert on Israeli politics and U.S.-Israel relations. He has interviewed top political figures, including Israeli leaders, U.S. senators and national security officials with insights featured on major networks like BBC, Bloomberg, CBS, NBC, Fox and Newsmax. A former NCAA champion fencer and Yeshiva University Sports Hall of Fame member, he made aliyah in 2004, and lives in Jerusalem with his wife and five children.
Josh Hasten
Josh Hasten Josh Hasten
Josh Hasten is a Middle East correspondent for JNS. He is co-host of the JNS podcast “Jerusalem Minute,” as well as the host of the JNS podcast “Judeacation.” He also hosts the weekly radio program “Israel Uncensored” on “The Land of Israel Radio Network.” An award-winning freelance journalist, he writes regularly for JNS and other publications. He is also a sought-after guest for television and radio interviews on current events in Israel, having appeared on CNN, BBC, Sky News, Fox, APTV, WABC, ILTV, i24News, and many others.
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