‘Massive blow to Netanyahu’: Trump leaves out Israel in captive deal praise
The US president thanking Qatar and Egypt for their role in the planned release of Edan Alexander – but making no mention of Israel – is a “massive blow to Netanyahu”, according to Ori Goldberg, an Israeli commentator on political affairs.
“Trump is basically saying to Netanyahu, ‘I’ve done this, this is my duty, now you’re on your own,’” Goldberg told Al Jazeera. “Israel is much fairer game than they were two days ago for every international inquiry and agency seeking to enforce international law.”
While the families of the captives “don’t have much sway” over the Israeli PM, Goldberg said the political pressure Trump is applying is significant.
“The detachment of Israeli interests from American interests is an earthquake. Trump is basically signalling the rest of the world that Israel is cut off from the herd, and that Israel stands alone and is responsible for its actions.”
Israel-US ties reached ‘unprecedented low’: Israeli politician Liberman
Israel is being sidelined when it comes to the US policy in the Middle East, according to the chairman of the Yisrael Beytenu party, Avigdor Liberman, who was quoted by the Times of Israel newspaper.
Israel has “reached an unprecedented low” in its relations with the US, he was quoted as saying in the context of the pending release of US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander by Hamas without Israel’s involvement.
The newspaper said Liberman made the remarks to reporters before his party’s weekly faction meeting in the Knesset.
The US ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthi rebels with Israel “left out of the agreement” and the direct US-Iranian talks were mentioned by Liberman as other examples challenges in the US-Israeli ties, the newspaper said.
There are other challenges as well “but we cannot elaborate about that”, he added cryptically, according to the report.
“The main problem is that Netanyahu does not want to end the war, he does not want to and is unable to eliminate Hamas. One who did not eliminate Hamas in a year and seven months will not do so in 17 years,” Liberman was quoted as saying.
Hamas made ‘first compromise’, now it’s our turn: Captive’s families tell Netanyahu
Families of Israeli captives held in Gaza have called on the Netanyahu government to make compromises or risk Israel “becoming an isolated state”.
Speaking in Tel Aviv earlier today, Dani Miran, father of Omri Miran, said: “I’m happy about Edan Alexander’s release, but I ask – what about our passport? What about our citizenship in this country? Doesn’t the government know how to protect its citizens?
“There are no deals without compromises. Hamas has already made the first compromise – make your compromises and reach a deal,” he added.
Michel Ilouz, father of dead captive Guy Ilouz, added: “I believed with all my might, and I want to continue believing, that an Israeli passport is a strong passport. But must I live another 43 years to get my son’s body back?
“Now there is definitely a last opportunity – either board the train with breakthrough peace agreements or be an isolated state that leaves us behind.”
Israelis march towards US consulate, calling for release of all captives: Reports
A group of Israeli protesters have started marching towards the US consulate in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli media reports.
Footage shared by Israel Hayom shows dozens of protesters – many carrying photos of Israelis still in captivity in Gaza – taking part in the protest.
Israel’s government has faced criticism – including from relatives of captives – for failing to secure the release of all captives, as Israeli-American Edan Alexander is set to go free, with some questioning whether dual nationals are being given priority.
