Former head of the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, Major General (res.) Nitzan Alon, sharply criticized the government's conduct, saying in an online discussion at The Washington Institute that "Israeli society is strong, but we now need different leadership that will make the necessary changes and lead this wonderful people with a realistic approach, not one that relies on slogans like 'absolute victory.'" He added: "The sight of the masses who came out to protest every week gave me the strength to continue working."