'Do not leave anyone behind': Israelis enraged, call for protests
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As Edan Alexander’s release draws near, growing anger and division emerge in "Israel", with families of other captives urging mass protest in Tel Aviv.
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Israelis take part in a protest demanding the end of the war and immediate release of captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv, Saturday, May 3, 2025 (AP)
As anticipation grows around the expected release of Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American soldier held in Gaza, the Hostage Families Forum has called on the public to gather in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Monday. The group is urging solidarity and a broader demand for the return of all captives still held in Gaza.
“Together, we will follow all developments and call out in unity: We must not leave anyone behind! Edan’s return must be the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that brings home all the hostages,” the forum stated.
While no official time for Alexander’s release has been confirmed, the forum is asking supporters to arrive by noon. A Saudi media outlet reported that the release was expected around midday, though a source involved in the negotiations told The Times of Israel that it is more likely to happen later in the day.
'Israel' in fury over Idan Alexander, slams favoring 'dual nationals'
The anticipated release of dual-national soldier Idan Alexander has sparked a wave of anger and frustration across Israeli media, with leading commentators accusing the government of prioritizing captives with foreign passports while abandoning those with "only Israeli citizenship."
In a sharply worded column, Yedioth Ahronoth's Raanan Shaked wrote, “The agreement between Hamas and the United States means that if you hold only Israeli citizenship, don’t expect anything from your government, or to use a now-common phrase: die.”
He continued, “You won’t be rescued unless you have an additional nationality, especially under Netanyahu’s rule. That’s not my opinion, it’s what the American president made clear.”
The criticism reflects growing discontent within "Israel", as al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida announced that the group has decided to release the Israeli soldier holding American citizenship, Edan Alexander, today.
Meanwhile, families of other captives accuse the government of discrimination and neglect.
Israeli broadcaster Kan quoted Minister Avi Dichter, a close Netanyahu ally, as saying, “We are not the 51st star on the American flag, and the goals of the war have not changed.”
Dual nationals prioritized over captives, say Israelis
Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that the family of Israeli captive Alon Ohil demanded that the government work for his release and the release of all captives who hold "only Israeli citizenship.” The call came amid growing concern over the prioritization of captives with dual nationalities, especially in relation to the anticipated release of Idan Alexander.
The aunt of Israeli captives Ziv and Gali Berman voiced similar concerns, as she said, “Trump is saving Idan Alexander, but who will save Gali and Ziv?”
The father of captive soldier Itay Hin said that Minister Dermer, who oversees the captives' file, had told him 14 months ago, “The chances of their release are higher through the United States than through him.”
Reflecting widespread anger, the brother of Israeli soldier Ingrist stated, “Israel has decided that soldiers with foreign citizenship are worth more than its own wounded soldiers.”
Meanwhile, public pressure on the government continues to grow. While coordination with mediators and the Red Cross continues, the lack of clarity and the appearance of preferential treatment have intensified scrutiny of Israeli government policy regarding "prisoners of war".
