Official statements from the U.S. government or National Security Advisor

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Backs Israel 100% in Hostage Deal, Calls for Gaza Demilitarization

Jan 15, 2025, 11:35 PM

Incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has expressed strong support for Israel's position against Hamas, stating that the U.S. will back Israel 100% if Hamas breaches the current hostage deal. Waltz emphasized that Gaza must be fully demilitarized and that Hamas must be destroyed to the point where it cannot reconstitute. He also affirmed Israel's right to fully protect itself and made it clear that Hamas cannot have any role in governing Gaza moving forward. Waltz's comments were made in various interviews, including on Fox News and Dan Senor's 'Call Me Back' podcast, where he discussed the ongoing hostage negotiations and the broader objectives of the conflict. The first stage of the hostage deal would see the release of 33 hostages, including women, the elderly, and the sick, with a focus on getting Israeli-Americans out.