Over 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, have called on Donald Trump to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into ending the Gaza war. In an open letter, they stated that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat and Israel has already achieved its military goals. “This war began as self-defense but has now gone too far,” said Ami Ayalon, ex-Shin Bet director, warning that prolonged conflict is eroding Israel’s security and global standing.
The signatories, including three former Mossad chiefs and five ex-Shin Bet leaders, argued that Israel has dismantled Hamas’ military and governance structures. The remaining priority—freeing hostages—can only be resolved through diplomacy, not combat. They urged Trump to leverage his influence with Netanyahu, stressing that hunting down Hamas leaders can wait, but saving lives cannot.
While international pressure mounts for a truce, Netanyahu’s coalition remains divided, with some ministers pushing for a full occupation of Gaza. The letter’s signatories, including ex-PM Ehud Barak, warned that continued war will only deepen Israel’s isolation. They proposed a post-war solution involving a reformed Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza, backed by a regional coalition.
The former officials believe Trump—who still holds sway with many Israelis—could mediate a deal to end the bloodshed. Their appeal highlights a rare rift between Israel’s security establishment and its government, signaling that even top ex-officials see no military solution to the crisis. With over 23 months of war, the world watches to see if Netanyahu will heed their warning—or escalate further.
