The tradition of bringing hostages home has long been a central value for Israeli leaders, often coming at a high cost. From past deals involving figures like Yitzhak Shamir, Shimon Peres, Ariel Sharon, Ehud Olmert, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the principle of leaving no one behind has shaped national policy. The recent return of hostages from Hamas captivity marks an unprecedented moment, achieved through innovative diplomacy. The intervention of the United States president created a new path for negotiations, resulting in a partial agreement and the release of hostages, even as it challenged longstanding resistance to such deals.