Israel could have ended Gaza conflict earlier, says retired general

Retired General Nitzan Alon has suggested that Israel's handling of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza may have prolonged the conflict unnecessarily, with viable diplomatic pathways available well before recent developments.

According to Alon, who served in a negotiating capacity, a comprehensive agreement addressing both the hostage situation and broader conflict resolution could have been reached substantially earlier. The retired general's assessment implies that delays in pursuing diplomatic channels may have cost lives among those held captive in Gaza.

The comments represent a rare public critique from within Israel's security establishment regarding the trajectory of negotiations. Alon's remarks come amid ongoing international pressure on Israel to accelerate efforts toward a permanent ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages.

The assessment highlights ongoing debate within Israeli circles about the balance between military objectives and diplomatic opportunities, with some officials arguing that negotiated solutions could have been pursued more aggressively at earlier stages of the conflict.