Edan Alexander, a liberated Israeli hostage, announced that he plans to return to Israeli military service next month, less than six months after his release from Hamas prisoners of war in Gaza.
Alexander spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday, and said, “I’m not a fan of my life.”
“Next month, with God’s help, I will return to Israel, and I will be uniformed again with the IDF (Israel Defence Force) and proudly serve with my brother. My story will not end with survival.
The 21-year-old grew up in the United States, and at the age of 18 he moved to Israel alone and volunteered for military service in the IDF Golani Brigade. He was lured to Hamas from a base near the Gaza border on October 7th and was released in May in captivity for 584 days after negotiations between the US and Hamas. He was the last living Israelite to be released from Hamas prisoners.
The Trump administration bypassed Israel to secure a contract with Hamas to free Alexander, and US President Donald Trump framing it as “he remains with all living hostages to put an end to this extremely brutal war.” Hamas affiliated Al Axa TV reported that extremist groups had negotiated with the US to free Alexander in exchange for the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In his speech, Alexander thanked Trump and his administration, urging him to continue efforts to free the remaining hostages. There are still 48 hostages still being taken prisoner, of which 20 are believed to be alive.
“I want to thank President Trump and the US administration for securing my release. Without their work, I wouldn’t be here with you tonight,” he said.
“Their families are still waiting. We cannot forget them. I dream of the day when all hostages walk freely. When neither the soldier nor the child can bear what I have experienced. That day must come soon.”
Alexander is not the only hostage with plans to return to military service. In June, the father of former Israeli hostage Lili Albag told Israeli radio that Albag would return to serve with the IDF.
Albag was one of four female Israeli soldiers released on January 25th, and was taken prisoner on October 7th, 2023. Agum Burger, a fifth Israeli soldier, was released a few days later.
