Hundreds of Ex-Israeli Security Experts Call on Trump to Demand End of Gaza Hostilities: ‘Hamas No Longer Poses Risk’
More than 600 former Israeli security officials are calling on Donald Trump to exert pressure on Netanyahu's administration to end the conflict in Gaza. According to reports from AFP, over 600 high-ranking Israeli security experts, including ex-leaders of intelligence agencies, are allegedly asking US President Donald Trump to influence their own government, which is headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to halt the hostilities in Gaza.
In an open letter published with the media on Monday, the former officials stated, "In our professional opinion, Hamas no longer represents a strategic danger to Israel." The letter, signed by hundreds, including former chiefs of Shin Bet and Mossad, urged Trump to guide the actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Initially, this conflict was considered a just war, a war of defense; however, after achieving all military goals, it transformed into an unjust war," said Ami Ayalon, former head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, as reported by Alarabiya English.
Ayalon cautioned in a video that the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted 23 months, "is causing the State of Israel to lose its security and sense of identity."
In response to a deadly attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel launched a military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu urged for the release of hostages through a "decisive military victory," as it became evident that Hamas was not keen on reaching an agreement, as per a diplomatic source.
As per the source, "Israel is in contact with the Americans," referring to remarks made by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, which indicated that Washington aims to end the Gaza conflict instead of intensifying it and is no longer pursuing partial hostage negotiations. Channel 12 News reported that with the US discarding temporary truce deals in exchange for some prisoners, Israel is poised to make a decision this week on whether to intensify its assault on Gaza or allow more time for a possible compromise, even if it could jeopardize the hostages.
Although Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have yet to reach a decision, the Times of Israel indicates that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs are in favor of escalating the conflict.
Conversely, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad chief David Barnea, the Shin Bet negotiator referred to as "Mem," and Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, who oversees the hostage situation, are said to be against this course of action.