Despite ceasefire: Hamas didn't get ‘anything in return’ for release of IDF soldier Alexander, PM Netanyahu asserts

Following confirmation that the Hamas terrorist organization would release kidnapped IDF soldier Edan Alexander on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not give Haas anything in return, despite reports that a temporary ceasefire was declared around noon.

“The expected release of IDF soldier Edan Alexander without anything in return will be possible due to the vigorous policy that we have led with the backing of President Trump, and thanks to the military pressure of IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip,” the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated on Monday morning.

“Israel has not committed to a ceasefire of any kind or the release of terrorists, but only to a safe corridor that will allow for the release of Edan,” the statement added.

However, according to Army Radio, this will include the limitation of Israeli drone flights over the Gaza Strip and a temporary ceasefire beginning around noon, including airstrikes, to enable the safe release of Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen.

Despite Alexander's release, Israel’s planned large-scale offensive, “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” will proceed after Trump’s Middle East visit this week, an Israeli official told Channel 12 News.

“Hamas has thrown its only card on the table to try and stop ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ – Edan Alexander – and it is doing it under the pretext of Trump's visit. Israel's plans are not changing. If there is no willingness to release additional hostages in the coming days, we will find launch ‘Gideon’s Chariots.’”

On Sunday night, Hamas announced it would release Alexander as part of its efforts “to support the ceasefire, the opening of crossings, and the entry of aid,” according to a statement.

A senior Hamas member told the Associated Press that after five days of negotiations with Egypt and Qatar, i addition to discussions with U.S. representatives, Hamas accepted the advice from the mediators to “give a gift to U.S. President Donald Trump and get an even better gift in return.”

According to that source, Hamas decided to release Alexander, and in return, Trump may later announce “an end to the war, a flow of aid, and a hostage deal.”

A representative of White House envoy Steve Witkoff met directly with Hamas officials in Qatar last weekend to negotiate Alexander’s release, according to Saudi reports.

The fact that Israel was not involved in the talks was sharply criticized by opposition leaders.

According to the PMO statement on Sunday night, the U.S. “informed Israel of Hamas's intention” to release Alexander. The statement added that “this is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of hostages according to the original Witkoff framework, which Israel has already accepted.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid party) called the reports about direct contacts between Hamas and the United States “a disgraceful diplomatic failure by the Israeli government and its leader.”

“The kidnapped are ours, and the responsibility for their return lies with the government. Our hearts are with the families,” Lapid added.

Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity party, wrote on 𝕏: “The heart expands in anticipation of the imminent return of Edan - the stomach turns to see how the Israeli government lacks any initiative and responsibility.”

“All 59 abductees are Israeli citizens and the responsibility to return them is ours. It is time for the Prime Minister to fulfill this responsibility.”