Netanyahu claims Israeli role in Edan Alexander’s release
Israeli premier credits military and diplomatic pressure for release of Israeli American soldier, despite reports confirming deal was brokered solely by US
JERUSALEM/ISTANBUL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed direct negotiations between the US and Hamas which led to the release of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander, claiming instead that the development was the result of Israeli military pressure and diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump.
Alexander, a soldier who was serving in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border, was released earlier Monday through negotiations between the Trump administration and the Palestinian group conducted via mediators without Israeli participation or knowledge, according to local media outlets.
The Israeli army said that Alexander, accompanied by members of his family, “is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to a hospital, where he will be reunited with other members of his family and will receive medical treatment.”
The Israeli military earlier confirmed in a statement that he had arrived at the initial reception point at Re'im base near the Gaza border, where he will “undergo an initial medical assessment and be reunited with his family.”
Alexander is the last known living US hostage held in Gaza.
In a televised statement posted Monday to his X account, Netanyahu welcomed Alexander’s release, stating: “This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump. This is a winning combination.”
“I spoke with President Trump today. He said: 'I am committed to Israel; to continuing to work with you in close cooperation' – in order to achieve all of our war objectives: Releasing all of the hostages, and defeating Hamas,’” he added.
Trump has not publicly responded to Netanyahu’s remarks.
On Sunday, however, he described Hamas’ decision to release Alexander as a “gesture of goodwill,” expressing hope that the move would be an early step toward ending the war.
Earlier Monday, Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said it had released Alexander following talks with the US administration “as part of efforts by mediators to reach a ceasefire, reopen border crossings, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
Alexander’s release occurred as part of a negotiation effort between Hamas and the US with mediation from Egypt and Qatar and without Israeli involvement. It also came ahead of President Trump’s visit to the Middle East.
Trump is scheduled to tour Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from Tuesday through Friday, marking his first visit to the region since beginning his second term in January.
Israel estimates that 58 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, including 21 who are still alive.
Meanwhile, more than 9,900 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons, where they face torture, starvation and medical neglect—conditions that have led to multiple deaths, according to reports by Palestinian and Israeli media and human rights organizations.
Nearly 52,900 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
