The father of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held in Gaza for months, is calling for the Trump administration’s former hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, to return to the negotiation table. Adi Alexander believes Boehler’s previous direct talks with Hamas were the closest his son came to freedom.
In an interview with The Times of Israel, Adi explained his view that these discussions held in March were pivotal. They were the closest anyone came to securing the release of his son, alongside four other hostages. The talks took place in Qatar and had the potential to result in a deal that could have freed Edan Alexander and his fellow captives.
However, the situation took a sharp turn. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who was overseeing Israel’s negotiation efforts, only learned about the talks after they had begun. Dermer then reportedly leaked the information, a move that led to the sabotage of the entire negotiation process.
A Breakthrough That Never Was
Adi Alexander’s call for Adam Boehler’s return highlights a key moment in the long-standing negotiations over hostages held in Gaza. Boehler’s meetings with Hamas officials represented a rare opportunity for progress, one that his father insists shouldn’t be ignored.
Before these talks, Edan’s family had heard little about tangible efforts for his release. When the talks emerged, they seemed to offer a glimmer of hope. But political opposition quickly soured the atmosphere. The leak of the discussions to the press, followed by sharp criticism from both Israeli officials and members of the GOP, led to their abrupt abandonment.
Adi Alexander is now urging the U.S. government to bring Boehler back into the fold. “Why not put Adam Boehler back in the game?” he asked, emphasizing that the Trump administration’s special envoy had made more progress in those few weeks than anyone else had managed.
Boehler’s meetings with Hamas were described as “unprecedented.” The goal was not just Edan’s release, but also the return of the bodies of four other American-Israeli hostages. However, with the talks now in ruins, the hope for an agreement has evaporated.
The Role of Israeli Politics in Hostage Negotiations
The political ramifications of these failed talks are clear. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, whose role is central in Israel’s hostage negotiations, reacted swiftly upon learning of Boehler’s efforts. According to reports, Dermer felt sidelined by the meetings, which he had not been informed about in advance.
What followed was an outcry from both Israeli officials and members of the U.S. government. Dermer reportedly leaked details of the negotiations to the media, citing concerns about the legitimacy of the talks and the potential backlash. The result? A collapse in what could have been a breakthrough in securing Edan’s release.
Despite these setbacks, Adi Alexander remains adamant that the path to freedom for his son is still possible—if only the right conditions can be met. He maintains that Adam Boehler’s diplomatic approach was the only real chance they had to bring Edan home.
What’s Next for Hostage Negotiations?
As of now, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will reconsider its position on Boehler’s involvement. The political fallout from the negotiations has left many questioning the viability of continued talks, especially as tensions rise within Israel’s government.
However, one thing is certain: Adi Alexander’s plea is unlikely to be the last. With Edan’s future still hanging in the balance, the call for more direct negotiations will likely grow louder.
In the meantime, the Alexander family remains hopeful, holding onto the belief that their son’s release is still possible. Whether Adam Boehler will return to the negotiating table is a question that only time will answer.
