The terrorist organization announced it will release abducted soldier Edan Alexander, who holds US citizenship, in what it called a gesture to President Donald Trump ahead of his visit to the Middle East on Tuesday.

According to the senior official, US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff held direct and indirect discussions with Iranian representatives in Muscat. “The discussions were tough but beneficial,” Iran said, signaling cautious optimism about the progress made.

Jerusalem officials say that in all contacts with Washington, the Americans repeatedly promise that Israeli interests will not be harmed, certainly not its security.

Some of the exposed agents, it is claimed, were turned into double agents reactivated by the al-Qassam Brigades – Hamas' military wing – to gather information about the Shin Bet's operational methods, the identities of agents it operates, and their equipment.

Israeli leader won't receive a face-to-face with Trump during regional tour, with a senior White House official telling the Washington Post says no meeting is necessary because Netanyahu has already visited Washington "700 times" since Trump's inauguration. Security matters will not be the central focus during Trump's 3½ days in the region.