'Israel' in fury over Idan Alexander, slams favoring 'dual nationals'
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As Al-Qassam announces that US-Israeli soldier Idan Alexander will be released, public outrage grows in "Israel" over the perceived neglect of captives with only "Israeli citizenship".
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Israelis take part in a protest demanding the end of the war and the immediate release of captives and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP)
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".
Netanyahu rejects Gaza ceasefire in exchange for US-Israeli captive
The anticipated release of a US-Israeli captive by Hamas would not lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the release of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday.
Negotiations for a broader deal to secure the release of all Israeli captives in Gaza would proceed, Netanyahu stated, but would do so “under fire, during preparations for an intensification of the fighting,” according to a statement issued by his office.
Hamas announced on Sunday that it would release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier held in Gaza, as it confirmed direct talks with the United States toward a potential ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian territory.
While no specific date was disclosed, the family of the 21-year-old soldier said they had been informed that his release might take place “in the coming days.”
'Good faith gesture'
US President Donald Trump hailed Hamas' announcement of its intention to release the American-Israeli captive as a "good faith gesture," expressing hope for an end to the "brutal conflict" in Gaza.
But Netanyahu emphasized that “Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan."
He claimed that the promise of Alexander's release had been achieved through “military pressure” in the Gaza Strip.
On the other hand, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has reportedly expressed disagreement with "Israel’s" handling of the war on the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that a new Gaza ceasefire deal and prisoner release agreement should be the next step forward.
The remarks, reported on Sunday, highlight growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv as diplomatic efforts continue.
