Minister Amichai Eliyahu Blames Former Commander Nitzan Alon for October 7 Tragedy

Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu sharply criticized retired Major General Nitzan Alon, former head of the Prisoners and Missing Persons Command, accusing him of responsibility for the killings and kidnappings during the October 7 attacks. In a Thursday interview on Galei Tzahal, Eliyahu claimed that Alon's approach, which he described as "putting people on the fence," led to the deaths and abductions. He argued that if Alon's strategy had been followed, Hamas would now be at the borders, implying that Alon and his associates are to blame for the massacre.

Eliyahu's remarks came in response to Alon's statements the previous day at the Herzliya Conference, where Alon said that the war in Gaza could have ended at least a year earlier and highlighted that about 40 hostages who were kidnapped alive were later killed in captivity. Alon criticized the political leadership for rejecting earlier comprehensive prisoner exchange deals in favor of partial agreements to continue fighting. He also noted that some political figures, including Minister Bezalel Smotrich, opposed certain agreements at various stages.

Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, now chairman of the Yashar party, responded strongly to Eliyahu's accusations. He called the minister's statements slanderous and false, emphasizing that Alon was not in command on October 7 but immediately acted to assist. Eizenkot praised Alon as a hero who fought to save hostages and supported their families, contrasting him with ministers who opposed hostage rescue deals. Eizenkot condemned the government members present at the October 7 morning meeting, listing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers, as bearing lasting shame for their handling of the crisis.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Israeli leadership over responsibility for the October 7 attacks and the handling of hostages, reflecting deep divisions over military and political decisions before and after the tragedy.