Southern Illinois News

Mike Bost, the representative for Illinois' 12th District, said that President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked tirelessly to help secure the return of Edan Alexander, the last American-Israeli hostage.

"The last American hostage being held by Hamas, 21-year-old Edan Alexander, was released today after spending more than 580 days in captivity," said Bost, U.S. Representative, according to Facebook. "Thank you to President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their tireless work to bring Edan home. It's a true blessing that Edan and his family can embrace once again."

According to Fox News, Alexander was taken to a facility in Re’im for medical and psychological evaluation by personnel from the Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps. He was reunited with family members and was on his way to receive medical treatment on May 12. Alexander is an IDF soldier who will receive logistical, medical, and psychological support from military professionals. He lived with his grandparents in Tel Aviv and volunteered for service in the Golani Brigade at age 18. His mother, Yael, told Fox News she had been unable to sleep and felt stuck in the day her son was kidnapped by Hamas. She said she had not been able to celebrate anything since that day.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's May 12 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Facebook page

On March 11, the White House posted a photo of President Trump holding a sign with Alexander’s face on it, along with a social media post announcing Alexander’s homecoming. According to the post, Qatar and Egypt mediated the deal that led to Alexander’s release, calling it a step taken in good faith to end the war and return all living hostages and remains to their loved ones.

The Associated Press reported that Alexander, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, was serving as a soldier when Hamas stormed an Israeli military base. He was one of 251 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war between Israel and Hamas. Alexander had moved to Israel and enlisted in the country’s military in 2022.

Bost has represented Illinois’ 12th District since January 6, 2015. A lifelong Murphysboro resident, Bost has extensive experience in state politics, having served as the House Republican Caucus Chair in the Illinois State House of Representatives for two decades. He is also a former U.S. Marine Corps member who served from 1979-1982. Before entering full-time politics, Bost worked for 24 years at Bost Trucking Service and later joined the Murphysboro Fire Department after completing training at the University of Illinois’ Certified Firefighter II Academy in 1993.