Adam Boehler addressing the conference on 20 May 2025 Photo: Marc Israel Sellem/ The Jerusalem Post
The actions of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on the ground are contributing to US efforts to free hostages, but Hamas remains the main obstacle to a ceasefire and the release of prisoners. This was stated by US Special Representative for Hostages Adam Boehler during a conference with The Jerusalem Post on Monday.
“If Hamas wants to come up with a legitimate offer and release the hostages, we are open to that. Part of the reason for this position is the IDF’s movements on the ground,” Boehler said.
Trump’s approach: negotiating even with “not the best people”
Boehler emphasised that he takes his cue from the current US President Donald Trump, who does not shy away from difficult negotiations, even with leaders who can hardly be called “good people”.
“One of Trump’s traits is his willingness to engage in dialogue. And this is important in the hostage issue,” he said.
When asked about Iran, Boehler said that Trump was open to a deal, but it had to be “the right one”:
“Trump will not allow uranium enrichment in Iran. This is a red line”.
Support for Netanyahu and the fight against anti-Semitism
In response to a question about the release of Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, Boehler stressed that Trump’s support for Netanyahu remains unchanged. He also noted the president’s actions to combat anti-Semitism in the United States.
“I am convinced that Trump wants to see all hostages released. And this does not contradict Israel’s security. These are two separate things,” Boehler added.
“Hamas is to blame for not having a state”
Boehler sharply criticised Hamas, calling it the main obstacle to the agreement:
“There’s a reason why Hamas doesn’t have a state: they never make smart decisions.”
He also mentioned Yelizaveta Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli researcher held by the pro-Iranian group Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq:
“If they don’t release her now, they will see what Hamas and Hezbollah saw. This is the last chance.”
