More than 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of intelligence agencies, have urged US President Donald Trump to apply pressure on their government to end the war in Gaza, reported AFP.
In an open letter shared with the media on Monday, the former officials stated, "It is our professional judgment that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel." They called on Trump to "steer" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decisions.
"At first, this war was just and defensive, but once we achieved all military objectives, it ceased to be justified," stated Ami Ayalon, the former director of the Shin Bet security service. He warned in a video released with an open letter that the war, now nearing its 23rd month, is causing the State of Israel to lose its security and identity.
The letter, signed by 550 individuals, including former leaders of Shin Bet and the Mossad spy agency, urged Donald Trump to influence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards agreeing to a ceasefire. Israel initiated its military operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Recently, Israel has faced increasing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire, which could lead to the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and allow UN agencies to distribute humanitarian aid. However, some members of Netanyahu's coalition government are advocating for continued military action and the potential occupation of Gaza, in full or in part.
The letter was signed by three former heads of the Mossad: Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom. Other signatories include five former heads of Shin Bet—Ayalon, Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri, and Carmi Gilon—as well as three former chiefs of staff, including former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, former Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon, and Dan Halutz.
The letter argued that the Israeli military has already achieved the two main objectives that could be accomplished through force: dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and governance. The third, and most critical objective—bringing all hostages home—can only be achieved through negotiations.
"Chasing remaining senior Hamas operatives can wait," the letter emphasised.
In the letter, the former officials conveyed to Trump that he has credibility with the majority of Israelis and could pressure Netanyahu to end the war and secure the return of the hostages. After a ceasefire, they asserted, Trump could facilitate a regional coalition to support a reformed Palestinian Authority as a viable alternative to Hamas rule in Gaza.
*With inputs from AFP
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