Netanyahu Sidelined as U.S. Secures Hostage Deal Without Israel

Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received what Hebrew media described as a “diplomatic slap” when Hamas announced the release of Israeli-American captive Aidan Alexander — not through Israeli negotiations, but via a direct agreement with the United States. The move sent shockwaves through Tel Aviv, especially since the deal was executed without Netanyahu’s knowledge or involvement, widely interpreted as a clear political humiliation.

Netanyahu’s office responded with firmness: no ceasefire, no prisoner exchange, no partnership in negotiations — as if to reclaim political authority through force after losing control at the negotiating table.

“The military pressure forced Hamas to compromise,” Netanyahu claimed. But reports and leaks suggest the opposite: negotiations took place behind his back, coordinated directly between the U.S. and Qatar, away from Israeli oversight. Many in Israel now believe the U.S. is prioritizing the hostage file as a humanitarian issue — one that overrides Netanyahu’s political calculations.

Israel’s reaction was swift and severe, escalating military operations in Gaza just as discussions of a “safe corridor” for Alexander’s release emerged. The scene painted a picture of disarray, reflecting an Israeli leadership out of sync with both battlefield realities and diplomatic developments.

So who really controls the threads of this conflict? Has Netanyahu become a mere bystander while understandings are reached between his allies and adversaries? And does this episode mark the beginning of a breakdown in trust between Washington and Tel Aviv over the Gaza file?

One thing is certain: Netanyahu is experiencing one of his most politically isolated and chaotic moments — amid internal divisions, mounting global pressure, and a military reality slipping beyond his grasp. The Gaza war is no longer just about rockets — it has become a battle for political survival inside Israel.