Wonderful news. Hostage Edan Alexander, who is a citizen of the US and Israel, and who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has been released and is in Israeli hands:

In a video released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu says the release was “achieved thanks to our military pressure and the diplomatic pressure applied by President Trump,” calling it “a winning combination.”

Netanyahu adds that he spoke with Trump, who reaffirmed his commitment to Israel and promised to “continue working closely” to achieve the war’s goals: freeing all hostages and defeating Hamas.

“These goals go hand in hand,” Netanyahu says in the video.

Our wonderful MSM has been promoting the idea that there’s a rift between Trump and Netanyahu. You can find a ton of articles to that effect. Although I doubt they agree on everything (including the value of negotiating with Iran), I doubt any disagreements rise to the level of a “rift.” For what it’s worth, Ambassador Huckabee has strongly denied the rumors:

“He spent more time with the prime minister of Israel than he has any other world leader, so I would just say to people, ‘Relax, calm down, Donald Trump loves you, there’s no doubt about that, he’s got your back,’” Mike Huckabee told Israeli Channel 12 on Saturday night. “He is the same Donald Trump that, four years as president, did more for Israel than any other American president.”

As for Edan Alexander, first reports are that “suffered severe torture and was held handcuffed in a cage for an extended period of time.” Alexander was in the IDF when he was taken, and so he probably received especially severe treatment at the hands of his captors.

So, what price does Israel and/or the US have to pay to get Alexander back? It’s not completely clear, although Hamas doesn’t ordinarily give up such prizes for free. Supposedly his release is “unconditional,” but obviously something is expected. The question is what. Everything is speculation at this point except that it’s pretty obvious it comes just as Trump is about to visit Doha.

Edan Alexander isn’t the only American held by Hamas, but he’s probably the last living American hostage there:

Four additional American citizens remain captive in Gaza: Omer Neutra, Itay Chen and dual citizens Gadi Haggai and Judith Weinstein-Haggai, who are believed to be deceased. Talks are reportedly underway for the return of their bodies, with Boehler confirming that the U.S. has requested their repatriation.

Welcome home, Edan Alexander.