Netanyahu: Our prayers for return of the hostages were fulfilled

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflected on the past year's accomplishments, stating, "Dear people of Israel, it turns out that our blessings work." He highlighted the return of all living and deceased hostages from Gaza, abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led invasion. This included the retrieval of remains, such as those of Sgt. First Class Yehuda Yekutiel Katz, missing since 1982. An October 10, 2025, ceasefire agreement facilitated the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinians in Israeli jails, with all living hostages returned by October 13, 2025, and the last remains by January 26. Netanyahu also mentioned "Operation Roaring Lion" against Iran, conducted with U.S. forces, and expressed pride in Israel's economy, innovation, and global standing.