Hundreds of retired Israeli security officials have publicly urged former US President Donald Trump to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward ending the ongoing war in Gaza. In an open letter, 550 signatories—including former heads of intelligence and military chiefs—stated that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel, and the war has lost its original defensive purpose.
Former Shin Bet director Ami Ayalon, in a video statement, warned that the prolonged war is harming Israel’s identity and long-term security. He emphasized that although the conflict began as a just response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack, continuing the war after achieving military goals has now become counterproductive. This strong statement was backed by other prominent names, including former Mossad heads Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom.
The letter declared that the Israeli military has already achieved its key goals—breaking Hamas’s military power and disrupting its rule in Gaza. However, the third and most critical objective, returning Israeli hostages, cannot be achieved through force alone. The officials stressed that negotiating a ceasefire is the only path to safely bringing the captives home, while chasing remaining Hamas leaders can be done afterward.
Furthermore, the former security leaders appealed directly to Trump, saying he still holds influence among most Israelis. They believe he can effectively pressure Netanyahu to choose diplomacy over further conflict. The letter also argued that the current government’s push to expand military control in Gaza is misguided and risks long-term instability in the region.
As international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the letter proposes a practical post-war solution. It suggests forming a regional coalition that could support a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, replacing Hamas without military occupation. The signatories believe Trump could play a leading role in shaping this diplomatic outcome.
This rare move by high-ranking former Israeli officials highlights deep concern over the war’s direction. With over 22 months of fighting, increasing civilian suffering, and rising global criticism, pressure is mounting on Israeli leadership to find a peaceful and lasting resolution.