Eylon Levy, a former Israeli government spokesman, declared that the October 7 hostage crisis has ended but warned that Israel's response may lead to future kidnappings. In a video statement, Levy explained his decision to remove his yellow hostage ribbon pin, emphasizing that while the last hostage has returned, the methods used to secure their release could have long-term consequences. He criticized the release of prisoners and the payment of ransoms, arguing that such actions send a message to groups like Hamas that hostage-taking is effective. Levy urged Israeli leaders to prioritize new strategies to prevent further kidnappings, stressing the importance of deterrence now that the crisis has concluded.