Israel
JC Israel Briefing Day 584: Trump sees new Gaza offensive as ‘missed opportunity’
Plus, Israel’s Eurovision entry threatened with ‘throat-slit’ gesture during opening event
May 12, 2025 08:27
Plus, Israel’s Eurovision entry threatened with ‘throat-slit’ gesture during opening event
May 12, 2025 08:27This story first appeared as today’s Israel briefing newsletter. You can sign up to receive it daily here.
Hamas will release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander today without securing the freedom of any prisoners or a ceasefire. The terror group described the move as a goodwill gesture to US President Trump. It follows five days of indirect talks with American envoys and is expected to take place by late afternoon.
Israel said that, while the release emerged from a direct US-Hamas channel, IDF pressure in Gaza was essential in creating Hamas’s willingness to act. “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 said.
Officials confirmed a temporary halt to Israeli drone flights to allow a secure corridor for extraction. No ceasefire has been declared.
Alexander, 21, was abducted on October 7, 2023, and has spent 583 days in captivity. Israeli hospitals are on standby to receive him. Hostages previously held with Alexander said he had been kept underground in poor conditions, denied sunlight and food, and subjected to repeated interrogations while bound in restraints.
Trump said the release was part of “the final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.” His hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, is flying to Israel with Alexander’s parents. The White House confirmed the arrangement was relayed through Qatar and Egypt and began without Israel’s direct participation.
In a statement, the Alexander family said: “Today, on Mother’s Day, we received the greatest gift imaginable – news that our beautiful son Edan is returning home after 583 days in captivity in Gaza. We express our deepest gratitude to President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and the US administration for their tireless work to make this happen.”
They added: “We urge the Israeli government and the negotiating teams: please don’t stop. We hope our son’s release begins negotiations for all 58 remaining hostages, ending this nightmare for them and their families. No hostage should be left behind.”
The main lobbying group for hostages’ rights, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, echoed this insistence. The family of wounded hostage Alon Ohel said the deal discriminates by passport and abandons injured captives. “The deal leaves Alon behind while he is injured and in pain,” they said.
Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu told lawmakers yesterday that Hamas faces a final proposal and that Israel is prepared for war. Negotiations are continuing “under fire,” his office said.
In other Gaza news, NBC reported yesterday that Trump opposes Israel’s current military course and views the next Gaza ground push as a missed opportunity. US envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly warned that Israeli hesitation is dragging out the war. Netanyahu denied any rift.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia will ask US President Trump to support a regional agreement linking an end to the Gaza war with the creation of a demilitarised Palestinian state, Kan reported yesterday. The Saudi plan also calls for dismantling Hamas and full normalisation between Israel and Arab states.
Kan cited a senior Saudi source saying the initiative would be presented during Trump’s regional tour, which begins today. “Palestinian statehood” and “war termination” were described as non-negotiable. Israeli officials have not formally responded. The proposal positions Israel between continued military action and mounting diplomatic pressure.
Meanwhile, Israel is hoping to establish diplomatic ties with Syria, Foreign Minister Sa’ar said yesterday. His comments followed indirect talks between the two countries mediated by the United Arab Emirates. “Our intentions are good,” Sa’ar said, but added that Israeli security concerns remain unresolved.
Finally, Israel’s Eurovision contestant Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 attacks, was threatened in Basel during the song contest’s official opening. A man waving a Palestinian flag allegedly spat at Raphael and made a throat-slitting gesture. Swiss police are investigating.
Kan filed a complaint and called the act “a targeted hate crime.” Raphael is performing the song New Day Will Rise and is subject to heightened security.