Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have been focused on military pressure to secure the release of hostages, but it was President Donald Trump’s “America First” mantra that finally brought relief to the Alexander family.
The release of Edan Alexander, the last living Israeli-American hostage held by Hamas, on Monday, May 12, 2025, marked an unexpected and joyful turn for his family and the American-Israeli community. For the past 584 days, Alexander’s loved ones held their breath, unsure of whether they’d ever see him again. But the surprise release, facilitated by Trump’s diplomatic intervention, caught many off guard, highlighting the different priorities at play between Israel’s military approach and the Trump administration’s humanitarian diplomacy.
Netanyahu Sticks to Military Strategy
When Trump took matters into his own hands, it wasn’t just a victory for humanitarian diplomacy—it was a stark contrast to Israel’s reliance on military pressure. Netanyahu has been steadfast in his position that Israel will only consider halting the war on its own terms, insisting that Hamas must be dismantled to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. The US president, however, pushed for a swift diplomatic effort, emphasizing the importance of freeing American hostages above all else.
For Netanyahu, this release was a reminder of the different paths taken by the two leaders. Trump’s prioritization of American interests is clear, but for many in Israel, this creates a challenging dynamic. While Netanyahu remains focused on military objectives in Gaza, Trump’s intervention has demonstrated that sometimes, a more direct approach can yield results.
The families of other hostages, especially those without American citizenship, were left questioning why their loved ones’ freedom hasn’t been prioritized in the same way. Einav Zangauker, a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage situation, expressed frustration over the continued captivity of her son Matan. “If Matan is left behind, Netanyahu is becoming my private angel of death,” she posted. Zangauker’s anger is palpable, highlighting the complex and often painful nature of hostage diplomacy.
Trump’s “America First” Comes Through
Trump’s involvement in securing Alexander’s release is a prime example of his “America First” agenda at work. By prioritizing the life of an American-Israeli citizen, Trump not only satisfied his own political imperatives but also created a ripple effect that echoed through Israel and beyond. His administration’s role in facilitating this deal demonstrates how American interests can sometimes drive diplomatic solutions, even in situations where traditional alliances or military strategies are in play.
Though this development has been celebrated in New Jersey, where Alexander’s family held a joyous public celebration, it also raises important questions. If the United States is able to secure the release of hostages through diplomatic channels, why hasn’t Israel been able to do the same for its own citizens without relying heavily on military pressure? This discrepancy has sparked debate among Israeli citizens, especially those who feel that their government should be doing more to negotiate the safe return of all hostages.
The Diplomatic Dance: Trump vs. Netanyahu
The relationship between Netanyahu and Trump has always been one of pragmatism, but this latest episode highlights the difference in their approaches. Netanyahu’s government has been adamant about taking a hardline stance against Hamas, believing that the group must be defeated militarily to ensure long-term peace and security. However, Trump, who has consistently advocated for putting American interests first, seems less inclined to wait for military victories to secure tangible results.
This dynamic has played out in multiple ways over the course of the conflict, from Trump’s bold decisions on the Israeli-Palestinian issue to his decision to take a more active role in securing the release of hostages. It’s a reminder that while both leaders share a common goal—ensuring the safety and security of their citizens—their methods are vastly different.
The Families Left Behind
While Edan Alexander’s release is cause for celebration, it’s a bittersweet moment for the other families still waiting for their loved ones to come home. For those who don’t have the leverage of dual citizenship, the feeling of being left behind is hard to shake. The government of Israel, under Netanyahu’s leadership, has promised that it will not abandon its citizens, but the question remains: why are the stakes not higher for those without American passports?
As long as families like Zangauker’s continue to fight for the return of their loved ones, the debate over how Israel and the United States handle hostage situations will remain alive. And with Trump’s intervention marking a shift in diplomatic priorities, it’s clear that what works for one family may not work for another.
