Eliya Cohen -- formerly a hostage in Gaza -- tells TMZ President Donald Trump has gained massive popularity in Israel thanks to the new peace deal ... but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ? Not so much.

Cohen joined us on "TMZ Live" Monday, saying ... "Here in Israel Trump is a hero. Just because of him, I am released, and I'm alive." Play video content

Cohen, who was set free in February, was reportedly held captive for 505 days after Hamas militants abducted him from the Nova music festival October 7, 2023.

Monday morning, Cohen met with Trump before the Israeli parliament welcomed POTUS with a standing ovation. Twenty living hostages were returned home from Gaza following Trump's proposed peace plan to end the war there.

Trump spoke defiantly Monday, declaring .

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