Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, the IDF’s point man on hostage negotiations and head of the intelligence effort on captives and missing persons, was not invited to tonight’s security cabinet meeting, Hebrew media outlets report.
The unusual decision not to include Alon was reportedly made in light of the cabinet’s choice not to discuss negotiations for a hostage deal, making his presence unnecessary.
Instead, the cabinet’s focus remains on expanding military operations in Gaza and pursuing only a comprehensive agreement that would both end the war on Israel’s terms and secure the release of all hostages.
Meanwhile, the Kan public broadcaster reports that, amid concerns for the hostages’ safety during the planned capture of Gaza City in October, teams from the Hostages and Missing Persons Directorate will be included in the operation.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, August 31, 2025
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