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

Minister Amichai Eliyahu from Otzma Yehudit sharply criticized retired Major General Nitzan Alon, who led the hostages command during the recent conflict, accusing him of responsibility for kidnappings and deaths. Speaking on Galei Tzahal radio on Thursday, Eliyahu said Alon and his approach, which he described as placing terrorists "on the fence," were to blame for the loss of lives. Eliyahu demanded that Alon apologize, stating, "He should ask for forgiveness. In my view, he is responsible for the kidnappings and the murders."

Eliyahu's remarks came in response to Alon's recent criticism of the Israeli government. Alon had argued that the war in Gaza could have ended at least a year earlier and that about 40 hostages who were kidnapped alive died in captivity. He also criticized the political leadership, including Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for opposing earlier prisoner exchange deals, which Alon said were rejected by the cabinet in pursuit of a false notion of total victory.

Eliyahu countered Alon's position by saying that if Israel had followed Alon's strategy, Hamas would still be positioned along the border near Israeli communities, implying that the current situation would be worse. He suggested that a withdrawal at an earlier stage would have left Hamas controlling 70% of the Gaza Strip and avoided entering Rafah. Eliyahu's comments reflect ongoing debates within Israeli political and military circles about the handling of the conflict and hostage situations.