Trump special envoy Witkoff tells crowd at Hostages Square: ‘I dreamed of this night’

The crowd erupted in cheers when Witkoff thanked former President Donald Trump, saying, “It was your belief, joined with the bold leadership of my friend and president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, that made this peace possible.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff addressed a massive crowd at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv Saturday night, celebrating a breakthrough hostage release deal that is expected to return 48 captives—living and dead—over the next 72 hours.

“I dreamed of this night,” Witkoff said, standing before a crowd he estimated at more than 100,000.

“All of our hearts beating as one gathered here in Tel Aviv for peace, for unity and for hope in this sacred place we call Hostages Square.”

The crowd erupted in cheers when Witkoff thanked former President Donald Trump, saying, “It was your belief, joined with the bold leadership of my friend and president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, that made this peace possible.”

Witkoff, joined onstage by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, praised Israelis for their resilience. “You’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength,” he said. “Through heartbreak and fear, you never let go of the faith.”

He acknowledged that Jews, Christians and Muslims were all present, united “by one shared prayer for peace.”

But when Witkoff turned to thank Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his remarks were met with extended boos. “Okay, okay, let me just finish my thought,” he said, visibly pausing. “I was in the trenches with the prime minister. Believe me, he was a very important part here.”

Witkoff credited both Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer for “sacrificing so much for this country” and devoting themselves to “building a safer, stronger future for the Jewish people.”

He concluded with gratitude: “They’ve given everything—their time, their energy and their hearts. Their commitment to this country has never wavered, and it never will.”

“The president thanks you,” he added. “Thank you.”