Former IDF Commander Criticizes Gaza War Management and Smotrich's Role in Hostage Deals

At the Herzliya Conference held at Reichman University on Wednesday, retired Major General Nitzan Alon, former head of the IDF's Prisoners and Missing Persons Command, criticized the handling of the Gaza conflict. In an interview with journalist Udi Segal, Alon stated that the war in Gaza could have ended at least a year earlier, highlighting the prolonged nature of the campaign due to unresolved gaps. He directly challenged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who recently claimed credit for halting partial hostage exchange deals in January 2025, saying, "About 40 hostages who were alive were killed in captivity, and I do not forget that." Alon argued that Smotrich, who opposed some agreements, should not claim credit for the return of all hostages.

Alon also criticized the concept of an "absolute victory" promoted by Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling it a falsehood that led the political leadership to reject earlier comprehensive deals. Instead, partial agreements were chosen to allow continued fighting. Beyond Gaza, Alon expressed concern about developments in Judea and Samaria, accusing certain government ministers, including those from fringe groups, of enabling militias and terrorist elements, creating a dangerous security reality. While affirming the government's right to set policy, he warned against proxy violence, suggesting it could lead Israel toward an apartheid-like strategic reality.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also spoke at the conference, revealing that upon assuming office, he found Israel lacked any plan to counter the Iranian nuclear threat. Bennett recounted pressing Netanyahu for a strategy and receiving no answers, describing the transition as a brief 20-minute handover with no documentation. He criticized the government for failing to build capabilities or contingency plans from 2018 to 2021 despite Iran's nuclear advancements, calling the situation a nightmare during his early months in office and expressing disbelief at the lack of preparedness.