Watan-The release of dual-national soldier Aidan Alexander after 584 days in captivity has stirred mixed emotions across Israel. While many expressed joy and hope for the return of more hostages, others voiced anger over perceived preferential treatment for those holding a foreign passport.
The event has ignited sharp criticism of Israeli leadership and intensified scrutiny of the ongoing negotiations in Doha and the upcoming Riyadh summit: will these talks finally end the war and lift the siege on Gaza?
Israeli political commentator Yonah Gonen lashed out at the government: “Netanyahu’s administration has completely abandoned its responsibility to Israeli citizens. If it won’t fulfill its duties, why should the people?”
Critics Slam Netanyahu as U.S. Bypasses Israel in Gaza Hostage Deal
Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel condemned the precedent of releasing a hostage solely based on foreign citizenship. Fellow columnist Yossi Verter called it an example of “criminal mismanagement” by Netanyahu’s government. Political editor Yonah Gonen went even further, implicitly calling for civil disobedience against a state that has, in her view, abandoned its people.
Meanwhile, Haaretz columnist Chaim Levinson highlighted Netanyahu’s attempt to obstruct the deal and blame Hamas, stating that Alexander’s release signals deep coordination between Washington and Doha—completely bypassing Israel. He warned: “There are no more Witkoff proposals—there are only Trump’s. He plans to announce his Gaza ceasefire deal tomorrow in Riyadh, leaving Netanyahu with no leverage.”
Middle East affairs analyst Zvi Bar’el argued that Trump may soon lose interest in Gaza altogether, as a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal with Iran takes precedence over Israeli considerations.
Haaretz’s editorial urged support for Trump’s initiative, calling it not an act of spite but a “lifeline” for Israel, warning that Netanyahu’s war is driving the nation toward disaster.
Netanyahu Relegated: Cartoon and Commentary Highlight Israel’s Growing Isolation
Top Yedioth Ahronoth columnist Orly Azoulay wrote under the headline “We Are Left Alone” that Israel is paying dearly: “Netanyahu once treated Trump like a fool to be manipulated—but now the tables have turned.”
Channel 12’s Ben Caspit agreed, calling the Trump-Netanyahu split serious and damaging: “What Netanyahu knows how to do, Trump does better.” He added that Trump is not like Biden or Obama—he cannot be led blindly. While Netanyahu stalls and deceives, Trump makes deals behind his back—with Hamas, the Houthis, and even Iran.
Caspit suggests that Trump sees through Netanyahu’s games and has now shifted to direct negotiations, unlike Biden, who criticized Netanyahu but didn’t abandon him.
Still, Trump won’t abandon Israel either. Strategic ties endure, but Netanyahu’s political capital is clearly depleted. Trump may make important declarations on his visit—but the war and blockade on Gaza may continue, as Netanyahu risks everything for political survival and relevance.
In Walla’s Avi Issacharoff’s analysis titled “Political Courage Needed”, he argues that Netanyahu’s acceptance of a U.S.-brokered “all-for-all” hostage deal could transform the region. But for now, Netanyahu prioritizes preserving his coalition over securing a meaningful political gain for Israel.
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