Netanyahu faces backlash as Hamas frees Israeli soldier via U.S. mediation

The head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip stated that Edan Alexander, a dual-citizenship captive soldier, will be released as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire.

Khalil al-Hayya added in a statement: “In the context of mediators’ efforts to establish a ceasefire, Hamas has held contacts with the U.S. government in recent days, demonstrating significant goodwill.”

He further noted: “Based on these discussions, Edan Alexander, a dual-citizenship captive soldier, will be released as part of steps taken to establish a ceasefire, reopen crossings, and allow aid into the Gaza Strip.”

Axios, citing a senior Israeli official, reported that to secure Edan Alexander’s release, a safe passage will be established for his exit from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the Israeli regime will implement a temporary ceasefire in specific areas of Gaza.

Haaretz, quoting an Israeli source, reported that Israel is preparing to release the Israeli-American soldier on Monday.

Edan Alexander is expected to be released between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The Israeli regime has set the condition for entering negotiations to end the war as the release of half of the Israeli prisoners, whether alive or dead.

Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcasting authority announced that Steve Witkoff, the envoy of the U.S. President, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to prepare for Alexander’s release.

Another setback for Netanyahu

Israeli media and analysts view Edan Alexander’s release as another failure for the Israeli Prime Minister.

Barak Ravid, an Israeli analyst, emphasized that the agreement to release Edan Alexander is a major victory for U.S. President Donald Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff, while it represents a significant setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer (Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs), and Netanyahu’s cabinet.

According to Israeli media, Almog Ben Zikri, another Israeli analyst, stated: “Netanyahu will surely try to appear alongside Edan Alexander without a shred of shame, acting as if he played a key role in his release, even though he did nothing for it.”

Hili Tropper, a member of the Israeli Knesset, added: “It is deeply concerning that a Golani Brigade soldier, wearing the Israeli army uniform, is taken captive from within Israel and returns home thanks to the efforts of a foreign government and the possession of a foreign passport, with that same foreign government announcing his release to his family.”

Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli “Democrats” party, said on Monday: “The reality is that Edan Alexander was fortunate to have U.S. citizenship from birth.”

Regarding Alexander’s imminent release due to his American citizenship and Israel’s inability to secure his release from Gaza, Golan stated: “This is a stain of shame and an outright scandal for the Israeli cabinet.”

He added: “I cannot find words to express my profound shock. A soldier serving in the Israeli army was abandoned by the cabinet and had to rely on the U.S. President for his release.”