When the ceasefire was announced last January, I had mixed emotions — euphoria at knowing hostages would be reunited with their families, and anger that convicted murderers would be released, free and clear.
The release of Edan Alexander revives those mixed emotions; the euphoria is the same, but this time tempered by anxiety.
The US negotiated this release exclusive of Israel’s involvement, even though Edan is an Israeli soldier.
Hamas said it was releasing Edan as a favor to the US. Translation: The US is throwing Israel under the bus. Either the US allowed itself to be manipulated by a terrorist organization or it happily engaged in the bilateral negotiation.
When Hamas failed to advance ceasefire talks last March, Trump’s man Witkoff expressed surprise on national television that he was duped by the terror group. Someone who thought Hamas is an honest actor is heading up the efforts to free hostages?
Under Donald Trump, the White House wants “wins” at any cost. If 1,000 people can be put out of work on a dime and the administration can brag about “efficiency,” who cares if 1,000 families are thrown into chaos and financial uncertainty?
Witkoff and Trump will crow about their “win” and, for all that we know, now that the last living American hostage has been released, move on.
I never understood people who said Trump was Israel’s best friend. One thing we know about Donald Trump is that he is unreliable. Suddenly, for Israel’s “best friend,” uranium enrichment by Iran, a 747 from Qatar and cutting Israel out of Saudi-US engagement — all red lines for Israel and its allies — are on the table. With a best friend like this, who needs enemies?
Since the first Trump administration, Netanyahu has been a toady when it comes to Donald Trump. With the Abraham Accords, it seemed Netanyahu’s tack was successful. Trump left Israel in a stronger geopolitical position than it has ever been.
But in 2025, the stakes have changed, and Netanyahu’s fawning is putting Israelis — and Israel itself — in danger.
Knowing Trump, by the time this article is published, he could be fully back onto the Israel bandwagon, but it still won’t change the message that was received over the past week to Israel’s enemies: The US-Israel relationship is up for negotiation.
I am thrilled that Edan is home and that his family can at long last embrace their son and brother. But how the US negotiated — and Israel apparently did not negotiate — for his freedom leaves me with a deep sense of unease.
Shana Goldberg may be reached at shana@ijn.com
