The year was 2009, and the president was Barack Obama. His decision not to visit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had just returned to office, was viewed as an insult. It marked the beginning of what many to this day see as Obama’s fractured relationship with Israel,

Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, was released on Monday after successful negotiations between the U.S. and the terrorist organization, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Edan Alexander, the last American held hostage in Gaza, has been freed by Hamas. He chose not to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israeli media say he is not doing well, both physically and emotionally.