The Financial Times revealed on Friday that Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Elon Musk this week in an attempt to urge the global billionaire to ensure that the issue of releasing Israeli prisoners is placed on the agenda of the next US administration led by Donald Trump.

The conversation, which took place at the request of some families of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas, was part of Herzog's "broad and intensive attempt to pressure all parties," according to a source familiar with the details.

The unconventional move to reach out to Musk, who has no official role related to the Middle East in the incoming Trump administration, is an indication of the growing role Musk is playing during the transition, as well as the desperate efforts of the prisoners’ families to make the issue a top priority.

Although the exact timing of the call between Musk and Herzog was not specified, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Monday evening a threat that “if the prisoners are not released by the time I take office on January 20th, there will be severe consequences in the Middle East.”

Trump has held multiple conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since winning the election, and hosted Netanyahu’s wife and son at his Mar-a-Lago resort this week. He also spoke with Herzog, who holds a ceremonial role in Israeli politics.

In a previous call on Nov. 11, Herzog stressed “the urgent need to secure the return of the Israeli captives,” according to a statement from his office. The latest conversation between Musk and Herzog was “general in nature,” and aimed to “push wherever possible to ensure that the issue remains at the forefront,” a source familiar with the matter said.

The source indicated that the call was not only an attempt to influence Trump, but because Musk is considered a pivotal figure on one of the most important social media platforms that contributes to shaping public awareness and narratives.