Trump Praised as a ‘Colossus’ in Israel as Nation Celebrates Hostage Return

In a scene that blended political theater, emotional reunion, and international symbolism, Israel erupted into jubilation this week after the safe return of hostages who had been held captive for months by Hamas militants. The joyous moment quickly became intertwined with a striking new development in U.S.

Israel relations: former U.S. President Donald Trump being hailed by many in Israel as a “colossus” — a towering figure whose influence, they say, continues to shape Middle Eastern politics.

The phrase, first used by an Israeli official during a televised interview, has since gone viral in Hebrew and English-language media alike. “Trump is a colossus — his policies changed the region forever,” the official said.

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The Return of the Hostages: A Moment of Collective Relief

The release of the hostages, who had been abducted during a violent Hamas raid months earlier, marks one of the most emotional chapters in Israel’s recent history. Scenes of tearful families, Israeli flags waving in the streets, and spontaneous celebrations dominated the nation’s airwaves.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the return was part of a negotiated deal brokered with multiple international actors, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. While details of the operation remain classified.

Israeli intelligence sources credited “persistent diplomatic engagement from Washington” as a key factor. Yet it was Trump’s name — not President Biden’s — that dominated much of Israel’s social and political discourse following the announcement.

Why Trump’s Name Resurfaced in a Moment of National Triumph

Although Donald Trump left office in January 2021, his influence in Israel remains unparalleled among recent American presidents. His recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy there, and the 2020.

Abraham Accords — which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations — transformed how Israelis view Washington’s role in the region. For many Israelis, especially those aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition.

Trump is seen as the most pro-Israel U.S. president in modern history. His face frequently appears on banners at pro-government rallies, and his name is often invoked during speeches about Israel’s sovereignty and regional security.

In recent days, social media platforms in Israel have been filled with hashtags such as #ThankYouTrump, #ColossusOfJerusalem, and #PeaceThroughStrength.

Supporters argue that the hostages’ return — though negotiated under a different administration — was made possible because of the long-term strategic framework Trump established.

As one Israeli journalist put it:

“This is Trump’s Middle East. Every diplomatic move today, even by his critics, happens in the shadow of his deals.”

Israel’s Emotional Reaction

The atmosphere in Israel since the hostages’ return has been electric — a blend of relief, nationalism, and reflection. In Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, thousands gathered to celebrate, waving Israeli and American flags side by side. Children carried posters of the freed hostages, while religious leaders offered prayers of thanksgiving.

At the same time, many Israelis have expressed frustration over how long it took to secure the captives’ release and how political divisions have complicated national solidarity.

Still, the sense of gratitude toward international partners — particularly the United States — is unmistakable. Several government ministers have gone out of their way to highlight Washington’s “strategic patience and continued commitment to Israel’s security.”

Yet, when asked which U.S. leader had done “the most” for Israel in recent memory, many citizens — across political lines — answered simply: “Trump.”

Trump’s Reaction and Statements

Donald Trump, never one to shy away from global praise, quickly seized the opportunity to comment. Speaking at a rally in Florida, he declared:

• “I am deeply happy for the people of Israel. Those hostages are home — safe, loved, free. No one has been tougher on terror than me, and no one has done more for Israel than I have.”
• He went on to say that Israel’s appreciation “means the world” to him and hinted that his next administration — should he win re-election in 2024 — would “bring even greater peace through strength.”
• His remarks were met with roaring applause from supporters. Within hours, clips of his speech went viral across Israeli news channels, reinforcing his “colossus” status among many Israelis.

Reactions from the Biden Administration

The Biden administration responded to the hostage release with careful optimism. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Israel and the mediators involved, calling the event “a testament to the power of diplomacy.”

However, U.S. officials privately expressed discomfort at the way Trump’s supporters and certain Israeli politicians were framing the event as an indirect tribute to the former president.

“This was a multinational, multilateral effort,” one State Department source said, emphasizing the importance of current diplomatic channels over past political symbolism. Biden himself refrained from mentioning Trump directly but said in a brief statement:

“The United States will always stand by Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East. We will continue to work tirelessly for peace, stability, and the safe return of all hostages.”

The ‘Colossus’ Narrative: Symbol or Strategy?

The term “colossus” has taken on a life of its own in Israeli political discourse. In ancient Greek, a colossus was a massive statue representing power and divinity — an image not lost on Trump’s supporters. By likening him to such a figure, Israeli officials are sending a symbolic message about the perceived scale of his impact.

For Netanyahu’s allies, invoking Trump as a “colossus” is also a way to reaffirm Israel’s strength and independence amid growing criticism from Europe and U.S. progressives regarding military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

“The word represents stability,” one Likud Party member said. “Trump stood tall when others hesitated. He respected Israel’s right to defend itself without double standards.”

Critics, however, view the phrase as an attempt to politicize a national tragedy. Opposition leader Yair Lapid argued that Israel’s focus should remain on unity and the victims’ recovery — not on glorifying foreign politicians. “Israel is not a campaign prop,” he warned.

Trump’s Legacy in Israel’s Political Mindset

Trump’s relationship with Israel transcends traditional diplomacy. During his presidency, he made several landmark decisions that altered decades of U.S. policy:

• Jerusalem Recognition: Declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel and moving the U.S. Embassy there in 2018.
• Golan Heights Sovereignty: Recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019.
• Abraham Accords: Facilitating normalization between Israel and nations such as the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
• Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal: A move applauded by Netanyahu’s government.
• Cutting Aid to UNRWA: Seen by many Israelis as a stand against Palestinian incitement.

Each of these actions resonated deeply within Israel, solidifying Trump’s reputation as a friend and ally. In a recent poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12, 64% of respondents said Trump had done “more for Israel than any other U.S. president.”

Global Reactions to Trump’s “Colossus” Praise

The global reaction has been mixed. While conservative commentators in the U.S. celebrated Israel’s praise as proof of Trump’s diplomatic achievements, critics argued it reflects a troubling trend of personality-driven politics.

In Europe, several analysts warned that elevating Trump to near-mythical status could strain Israel’s future relations with a potentially different U.S. administration. “No country should tie its strategic future to one political figure,” noted a British foreign policy expert.

Arab media outlets offered a more skeptical tone, suggesting that Trump’s brand of diplomacy — though effective in securing deals — deepened divisions between Israel and Palestinians.

Al Jazeera described the “colossus” label as “a symptom of how deeply polarized Middle Eastern politics have become.”

Celebrations Across Israel

From Haifa to Beersheba, Israelis took to the streets to celebrate the hostages’ return. Cities were lit up in blue and white, with fireworks and concerts organized in major squares. The atmosphere, though festive, was tinged with remembrance for those still missing or killed during the conflict.

At the Western Wall, hundreds gathered to pray for the safe recovery of all captives and to give thanks for those freed. Chief Rabbi David Lau said in his sermon: “This moment reminds us that unity, faith, and strength prevail — even in our darkest hours.”

Amid the spiritual reflection, Trump’s name appeared again — written on signs reading “Thank You, Trump” and “From Jerusalem to Mar-a-Lago, We Remember.”

Diplomatic Implications for the U.S. and Israel

The “colossus” narrative may have deeper implications for U.S.–Israel relations moving forward. Should Trump return to power, analysts predict a renewed alignment between Washington and Jerusalem on security and defense policy.

However, others warn that over-personalizing the alliance could alienate bipartisan support in Congress, especially as American public opinion grows more divided on Israel’s actions in Gaza.

“The U.S.–Israel relationship has always thrived on bipartisan consensus,” said Daniel Kurtzer, former U.S. ambassador to Israel. “Turning it into a one-man story, even for someone as influential as Trump, could be risky.”

Cultural Reflections: Trump in Israeli Popular Imagination

Trump’s image has become a fixture in Israeli pop culture. From murals in Jerusalem to T-shirts sold in Tel Aviv markets, his likeness — often depicted wearing a kippah or shaking hands with Netanyahu — symbolizes the enduring bond between the two nations.

Israeli comedians, too, have capitalized on the “colossus” theme, creating sketches imagining Trump as a biblical giant returning to defend Israel. One late-night show quipped, “Even King David didn’t get this kind of PR.”

What Lies Ahead

As Israel celebrates the hostages’ return, attention is shifting toward rebuilding trust — both domestically and internationally. The unity shown in the aftermath of the release stands in contrast to months of internal division over judicial reforms, protests, and economic strains.

Whether Trump’s resurgence in Israel’s public narrative will influence U.S. policy or Israeli politics remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is certain: in the eyes of many Israelis, the man once known for his blunt tweets and bold diplomacy has become something larger — a colossus whose shadow looms over the region.

Frequently Asked Question

Why is Donald Trump being called a “colossus” in Israel?

The term “colossus” was used by an Israeli official to describe Trump’s outsized impact on the Middle East, particularly his strong pro-Israel policies such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and brokering the Abraham Accords. The term symbolizes respect and admiration for his perceived strength and leadership.

 How did the hostages return to Israel?

The hostages were released through a complex negotiation involving Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Intelligence cooperation and diplomatic pressure played key roles, though details remain classified for security reasons.

Did Donald Trump play a role in the recent hostage release?

Trump was not directly involved in the recent negotiations, as he currently holds no government position. However, many in Israel credit his past policies for shaping the strategic environment that made such negotiations possible.

How has President Biden responded to the hostage release?

President Biden congratulated Israel and the mediators involved, emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation. His administration, however, has been cautious about responding to Israel’s praise of Trump, focusing instead on ongoing peace efforts.

What is the significance of the Abraham Accords in this context?

The Abraham Accords, brokered during Trump’s presidency, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Many Israelis view these agreements as laying the groundwork for stronger regional alliances, which indirectly support operations like the recent hostage rescue.

How do Israelis view Trump compared to other U.S. presidents?

Polls and public sentiment indicate that Trump is widely regarded as the most pro-Israel American president in modern history. His recognition of Jerusalem and other policy decisions earned him long-term admiration among Israeli conservatives and even some moderates.

Could Trump’s rising popularity in Israel affect future U.S.–Israel relations?

Potentially, yes. If Trump returns to office, his close alignment with Netanyahu could lead to even tighter U.S.–Israel coordination. However, over-personalizing the alliance around one leader could create diplomatic challenges with future American administrations.

Conclusion

The celebration of the hostages’ return has united Israel in rare emotional harmony. Yet beneath the surface, it has also reignited discussions about loyalty, diplomacy, and the role of global leadership in shaping Israel’s destiny.

Donald Trump’s “colossus” status may symbolize both admiration and controversy — a reminder that political legacies are often as divisive as they are defining. For many Israelis, however, the takeaway is simple: they are grateful for allies who stand by them.