Released Israeli captive rebuffs Netanyahu, thanks Trump

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 May 2025 23:53

Israeli-American Edan Alexander declines to meet Netanyahu after his release from Gaza and thanks Trump instead amid growing US-Israel tensions.

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An Israeli military helicopter carrying freed captive Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, who has been held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, arrives at Ichilov Hospital helipad in Tel Aviv, occupied Palestine, on Monday, May 12, 2025 (AP)

Israeli media reported Monday evening that released captive Edan Alexander refused to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after being handed over to the Israeli military by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11, Alexander declined a meeting with Netanyahu shortly after his release. In contrast, Israeli media outlets circulated an image of Alexander aboard an Israeli military helicopter, holding a handwritten sign that read: “Thank you, President Trump.”

The release came following mediation efforts involving the United States. In a statement, Hamas confirmed Alexander’s release was facilitated by communication with the US administration, as well as part of broader mediation efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire, opening border crossings, and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Soaring Washington-Tel Aviv tensions

Kan also reported that the Israeli security delegation returned from Cairo on Monday night after an eight-hour visit focused on securing Alexander’s release.

Alexander’s refusal to meet Netanyahu comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv, and widespread frustration among Israeli captives' families over the government’s handling of the captives.

Commenting on the diplomatic rift, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stated, “The Americans are fed up with Netanyahu. The Trump administration today is operating without coordination with him or listening to him.”

'Trump abandoned Israel'

A former Israeli intelligence official told Fox News that “Trump has largely abandoned Israel.”

Similarly, a former Israeli diplomat told CNN that Netanyahu currently “lacks influence in Washington,” adding, “Netanyahu doesn’t have what Trump wants—unlike the Saudis, Qataris, or Emiratis.”

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported growing Israeli concern over what it described as Donald Trump’s deliberate snubbing of Netanyahu.

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.”

Captives' families demand decisive action

Families of captives leading the Begin protest movement said they were happy about Alexander’s release but alarmed that it took foreign pressure to secure it.

“From a time when Trump’s pressure brought releases, we’ve now moved to releases for Trump,” they said.

They urged the Israeli government to act decisively. “It seems the government has no role or interest in returning its citizens,” they added. “It’s time to end the war and bring everyone home.”