98% Reject Former General Nitzan Alon's Claim on Hostage Rescue in Channel 14 Poll

A recent live poll conducted on Channel 14's program "The Patriots" revealed overwhelming public rejection of former Major General Nitzan Alon's assertion that all hostages could have been rescued. The survey, led by journalist Yinon Magal, showed that 98% of respondents disagreed with Alon's claim.

Alon, who previously headed the Hostages and Missing Persons Command, broke his silence during a speech at the Herzliya Conference, sharply criticizing the political leadership. He accused the government and security cabinet of refusing more comprehensive hostage exchange deals in favor of partial agreements, which he argued prolonged the conflict and prevented the early return of many hostages.

He described the concept of a "complete victory" as misleading and claimed that this rhetoric hindered efforts to secure hostages' release. Alon also criticized the strategic decisions to continue the military campaign for over two years until the U.S. administration forced its end, arguing that this approach was neither optimal in duration nor in the heavy costs paid by Israel. According to him, the strategy prioritized political survival and ongoing combat over other objectives, ultimately costing hostages' lives.

The poll results reflect a broad consensus among the program's viewers, who largely reject Alon's perspective on the handling of hostage negotiations and the overall military strategy during the conflict.