Israeli reserve and retired soldiers call for halt to Gaza offensive over hostage deal

Over 1,000 Israeli reserve and retired air force personnel, alongside hundreds of active and retired navy and armored corps members, have publicly called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

Their demand is centered on the release of hostages held by Hamas, with signatories accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of prioritizing political over security interests.

Israeli pilots and soldiers sign public letter urging cease-fire

A letter signed by nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force members, including both reserve and retired personnel, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

The letter emphasized that further attacks risk the lives of Israeli hostages, Israeli army soldiers, and civilians, and claimed military pressure had failed to produce results.

According to the letter, “Only an agreement can return the hostages safely, while military pressure mainly leads to the killing of hostages and the endangerment of our soldiers.”

Signatories included high-ranking figures such as former Chief of General Staff Dan Halutz, retired Major General Nimrod Sheffer, and former Civil Aviation Authority head Neri Yarkoni.

Israeli military confirms dismissal of signatories

The Israeli army confirmed that reservists actively serving in the military who signed the letter would be dismissed.

An Israeli military official stated that the decision had full backing from Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and was enacted by Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar.

“The Israeli army stands above all political dispute,” the official said, adding that personnel cannot simultaneously serve in combat roles and publicly call for ending operations.

Netanyahu backs dismissal, labels signatories as ‘extreme elements’

Prime Minister Netanyahu supported the dismissals, stating that even implied forms of refusal during wartime are unacceptable.

He accused the letter’s signatories of weakening the Israeli army and empowering Israel’s enemies.

He further claimed that the letter was part of ongoing efforts by an “extreme group” to destabilize Israeli society, referencing similar incidents prior to the October 2023 attacks.

Political opposition condemns dismissals

Opposition leaders sharply criticized the government’s response. Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, condemned Netanyahu’s stance and accused him of double standards, particularly in reference to Ultra-Orthodox Jews’ exemption from military service.

Democratic Front leader Yair Golan stated that “the true refuser is the one undermining national security,” explicitly pointing to Netanyahu.

He argued that those calling for an end to hostilities are acting out of moral and ethical concern.

Naval officers and ground troops echo concerns

More than 150 retired Israeli naval officers also issued a letter accusing the Netanyahu government of neglecting national security responsibilities for political gain.

They stressed that continued attacks on Gaza were delaying the release of 59 hostages believed to still be held by Hamas.

Active soldiers from armored units have echoed these calls, reinforcing internal military dissent regarding the handling of the hostage situation.

Civilian and military tensions rise over war goals

Critics of the ongoing Gaza offensive argue that it no longer serves clear military objectives and that political motivations are now driving operations.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported dismissing signatories, while opposition leaders and parts of the military community have voiced concern about growing divisions.