Minister Amichai Eliyahu Blames Former Commander Nitzan Alon for Kidnappings and Deaths

Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu from the Otzma Yehudit party sharply criticized retired Major General Nitzan Alon in a radio interview on July 2, 2026. Eliyahu accused Alon, who served as the intelligence commander for the captives and missing persons during the recent war, of being responsible for the kidnapping and killing of Israelis. He stated that Alon and his approach, which he described as placing terrorists "on the fence," led to these tragic outcomes and demanded that Alon apologize.

Eliyahu’s comments responded to Alon's remarks at the 22nd Herzliya Conference hosted by the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University. Alon reflected on the war in Gaza, saying it could have ended at least a year earlier and noted that about 40 hostages who were kidnapped were killed in captivity. He suggested that different decisions might have saved some lives. Alon also distanced himself from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s claims about credit for the hostages’ return, emphasizing Smotrich’s opposition to some rescue agreements.

In reaction, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party and former IDF Chief of Staff, condemned Eliyahu’s accusations. Eisenkot called the minister’s statements slanderous and false, highlighting Alon as a hero who played a critical role in rescuing hostages. He contrasted Alon’s efforts with Eliyahu and his party’s opposition to hostage rescue deals, praising Alon’s dedication to the families and the hostages’ lives.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions within Israeli political and military circles regarding responsibility for the war’s outcomes and the handling of hostages. The debate continues as the nation processes the conflict’s aftermath and the fate of captives.