Witkoff and Kushner speak at Hostages Square rally as crowd cheers Trump, boos Netanyahu

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff gave an emotional speech at the hostage rally in Tel Aviv Saturday night, telling the crowds, “I dreamed of this night. It’s been a long journey.” 

“This is the most powerful sight,” Witkoff told those attending. “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 special envoy, who has been involved in the hostage negotiations since being appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, expressed his wish that the president had been able to attend. 

“I only wish the president was here,” Witkoff said. 

“Tonight we celebrate something extraordinary, a moment that many thought was impossible,” Witkoff continued. “Yet here we stand, living proof that when courage meets conviction, miracles can happen. A peace born not out of politics, but out of courage, the courage of those who refuse to give up hope.” 

Witkoff declared his desire to “honor the people of Israel. Your strength, your resilience, your unwavering spirit through unimaginable pain and loss.” 

“You have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world,” he told the gathered crowds. “You’ve prayed, you’ve persevered. And you’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength.” 

“Through heartbreak and fear, you never let go of the faith. Your courage and endurance inspired the world, and it was your belief, joined with the bold leadership of my friend and President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, that made this piece possible,” Witkoff said, as the crowd began to cheer and clap for the U.S. president. 

However, when Witkoff began to speak of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s role in the hostage release, many in the crowd began to boo. 

After being interrupted by boos and jeers against Netanyahu several times, Witkoff stated, “OK, let me just finish my thought.” 

“I was in the trenches with the prime minister. Believe me, he was a very important part here,” the special envoy told the crowds. 

“The prime minister and his staff, Ron Dermer included, have both sacrificed so much for this country and devoted their lives to the service of Israel,” Witkoff continued despite being interrupted. “Their dedication to the history and destiny of this nation stands out tonight. They’ve 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, and it never will.” 

After Witkoff spoke, Jared Kushner also addressed the crowds, thanking Witkoff and President Trump for their dedication, while also speaking of his shock at what took place on Oct. 7. 

“October 7 for me was a shattering day,” Kushner said. “Seeing these horrific, barbaric acts shocked me to my core, in a way that I’ll never be the same.” 

“Since then, my heart has not been complete,” Kushner said of his burden to see the hostages return. 

Following the interruptions, several Israeli government ministers and even opposition politicians decried the lack of respect.  

MK Benny Gantz, former defense minister and IDF chief of staff, and current head of the Blue and White party denounced the booing of Netanyahu's name at the rally. 

“Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and mainly President Trump – they all mobilized and moved mountains to release our hostages,” Gantz wrote in Hebrew to 𝕏. 

“I have tremendous appreciation for the general public that comes, week after week, to Hostage Square and to rallies across the country. And I am also part of it,” he continued. 

“But even when there are differences of opinion, to shout boos at the Prime Minister of Israel, in front of the American government envoy and in the presence of the hostages' families – that is a mistake,” Gantz said. “Not today, and not in front of these people.” 

"I am certain that these shouts do not represent the majority of the people of Israel, nor the majority of those present in the square," he added. 

Education Minister Yoav Kisch also responded to the crowd's behavior, writing to 𝕏, “They did not shame Netanyahu; they only revealed their true faces.” 

“Even when the Prime Minister achieved an agreement that few believed was possible, hatred drives these people out of their minds,” Kisch stated. “These extreme fringes do not represent the majority of the people of Israel, who support the agreement and are grateful to those who brought it about – Netanyahu and Dermer.” 

The Likud party of Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement in his support. 

“It doesn’t matter how much you shout, you are booing the truth,” the statement read. “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.”