Hundreds of former top Israeli security officials have written to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a ceasefire and end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza.
In the letter, the officials argue that Israel has already fulfilled its core military objectives and continuing the conflict is no longer justifiable or strategically beneficial.
The open letter, signed by 550 retired figures from Israel’s security establishment, includes former heads of intelligence agencies like Shin Bet and Mossad, as well as ex-military chiefs of staff.
Notable signatories include Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom from Mossad, along with Ami Ayalon, Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri, and Carmi Gilon of Shin Bet. Prominent former military leaders such as ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, ex-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, and Dan Halutz also endorsed the appeal.
Speaking in a video message, former Shin Bet director Ami Ayalon declared, “At first this war was a just and defensive war. But once all military objectives were achieved, it stopped being just.” He warned that the prolonged conflict is now endangering Israel’s security and eroding its democratic identity.
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Israel’s offensive in Gaza began in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which left hundreds dead. In the 23 months since then, Israel claims to have dismantled Hamas’s military infrastructure and governance capabilities. However, the former officials now believe that the remaining objectives—particularly the return of Israeli hostages—can only be secured through diplomacy.
“The third, and most important objective—bringing home the hostages—can only be achieved through a deal,” the letter states. “Chasing the remaining senior Hamas operatives can be done later.”
The signatories argue that Trump, who retains credibility among large segments of the Israeli public, is uniquely positioned to influence Netanyahu. They are urging him to steer Israel toward a ceasefire, not only to prevent further bloodshed but also to enable international humanitarian aid and secure hostage negotiations.
Furthermore, the group proposes that after a ceasefire, Trump could help forge a regional coalition to back a reformed Palestinian Authority taking over Gaza’s governance, offering an alternative to continued Hamas control.
This call for diplomatic resolution comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign and negotiate a peaceful settlement. While Netanyahu’s coalition government remains divided—with some ministers calling for the continued occupation of Gaza—public and political fatigue over the war is growing.
