Amichai Eliyahu Blames Nitzan Alon for Kidnappings and Killings During Conflict

Amichai Eliyahu, Israel's Minister of Heritage, accused retired Major General Nitzan Alon of being responsible for the kidnapping and murder of people during the recent conflict. In an interview with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), Eliyahu stated that Alon, who served as the head of the hostages command throughout the war, should apologize. He said, "In my view, he is to blame for the kidnappings. He and the entire concept are responsible. People were murdered because of Nitzan Alon and the approach that placed the terrorists at the fence." Eliyahu's comments came after Alon criticized the government, claiming that the security cabinet and political leadership refused earlier comprehensive hostage deals in pursuit of an absolute victory, which Alon called a lie.