Opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the expected release of hostage Idan Alexander, saying "The release is welcome and moving, but we must not stop there. It must lead to a broader hostage deal that will bring all hostages home. They have no time. Reports of direct contacts between Hamas and the US represent a disgraceful diplomatic failure of the Israeli government and its leader. The hostages are ours, and the responsibility for their return lies with the government. Our hearts are with the families."