In an extraordinary appeal, more than 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of the country’s top intelligence agencies, have called on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring the war in Gaza to an end. The move underscores growing internal dissent within Israel’s security establishment over the prolonged conflict that is nearing its 23rd month.
The open letter, widely circulated in Israeli and international media on Monday and first reported by AFP, was signed by prominent former figures, including ex-chiefs of Mossad and Shin Bet. Their message was clear: the initial objectives of Israel’s military campaign have been met, and continuing the war now risks eroding Israel’s security, international reputation, and national identity.
“Hamas Is No Longer a Strategic Threat”
“It is our professional judgment that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel,” the letter states. This powerful assertion from former senior officials challenges the current narrative maintained by the Netanyahu government, which insists that continued military pressure is essential.
Among the signatories was Ami Ayalon, former director of Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency. In a video released alongside the letter, Ayalon emphasized that the war, which began as a justified defensive response, has now exceeded its strategic utility.
“At first, this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war,” Ayalon said. “It is leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity.”
War Triggered by October 2023 Hamas Attack
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants, which left hundreds dead and many others injured or kidnapped. What began as a rapid counteroffensive has since escalated into a long-drawn operation with mounting civilian casualties and widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip.
Despite achieving several military objectives, critics argue that the campaign has reached a point of diminishing returns and is now undermining Israel’s long-term interests.
Trump’s Role in the Crosshairs
The letter notably addresses U.S. President Donald Trump directly, urging him to use his influence to guide Israeli leadership toward ending the war. “We ask you to steer Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decisions,” the officials wrote, reflecting a rare instance where Israeli insiders have openly appealed to a foreign leader to intervene in domestic security policy.
Trump, who has previously maintained close ties with Netanyahu, has not yet responded publicly to the appeal. However, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently emphasized that Washington prefers a full cessation of hostilities over partial ceasefire deals involving limited hostage releases.
Internal Divisions in Israeli Leadership
The debate over whether to pause military operations or intensify them has split Israel’s security cabinet. According to reports from The Times of Israel and Channel 12 News, a major decision is expected this week that could redefine the course of the war.
On one side of the debate are Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs—all pushing for expanded military action.
Opposing them are some of the most senior voices in Israeli defense and diplomacy, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Mossad Chief David Barnea, and key hostage negotiators. They argue for caution, especially given the risks to hostages still held by Hamas.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The growing rift within Israel’s top leadership and the rare intervention by former security elites reflect deep concerns about the nation’s future. With mounting international pressure and diplomatic challenges ahead, Israel now faces a defining choice: to continue a war that some believe has run its course or to pivot toward a negotiated resolution that could restore stability.
As the world watches closely, the voices of Israel’s most seasoned security minds add a new and urgent dimension to the debate—one that could influence not just national policy, but global diplomacy in the weeks to come.
