More than a dozen former top Israeli security officials have issued a stark warning, calling for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza, which they say has lost its moral and strategic justification.
In a powerful video message released on Monday, 19 former senior officials including ex-prime ministers, military chiefs, and intelligence heads accused the Israeli government of prolonging the war for political gain.
“This war started as a just war. It was a defensive war,” said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency. “But once we achieved all its military objectives… this war stopped being a just war.
It is leading the State of Israel to the loss of its security and identity.”
The video, filmed in what appears to be a vacant office, features high-profile figures such as former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, ex-IDF chiefs Moshe Ya’alon and Dan Halutz, and three former Mossad directors.
They claim that the military objectives have already been achieved and that further fighting is unjustified. “We are on the precipice of defeat,” warned Tamir Pardo, former Mossad chief.
The officials urge a comprehensive deal to secure the release of the approximately 50 remaining hostages held by Hamas and criticize the current Israeli leadership as extremist and out of step with the public.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the military campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following Hamas-led attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 people being taken hostage.
Despite ongoing indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release, talks have failed to yield results, deepening concerns about the war’s direction and Israel’s long-term security.
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