A group exceeding 600 former Israeli security
officials—including ex-leaders of the Mossad and Shin Bet—have appealed in an
open letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to leverage his unique
popularity among Israelis and pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to
agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. The signatories argue that Israel has achieved
its military objectives and continuing the war endangers Israel’s security and
global standing.
Israel’s Ex-Security Chiefs Appeal to Trump: What’s at Stake?
Hundreds of former Israeli security officials, including
veterans of Israel’s intelligence and military elite, have made an
unprecedented plea for intervention by former US President Donald Trump to help
end the ongoing war in Gaza. As reported by The New Arab, Arab News, BBC, NDTV,
and others, their open letter was signed by over 600 individuals, spanning
ex-chiefs from Mossad, Shin Bet, former military chiefs of staff, and a former
prime minister.
Ami Ayalon, former Shin Bet director, told The New Arab:
“At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war.”
In a video message accompanying the letter, Ayalon warned that prolonging the conflict is
“leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity”.
What Do the Ex-Security Chiefs Want Donald Trump to Do?
Citing The Jerusalem Post and BBC, the coalition of retired officials, known as Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS), addressed Donald Trump directly:
“We urge you to end the Gaza war. You did it in Lebanon. Time to do it in Gaza as well.”
They appeal to Trump’s credibility and influence
with the Israeli public, urging him to push Netanyahu’s government towards a
ceasefire.
As BBC details, their letter said: “Your standing with the overwhelming majority of Israelis enhances your capability to guide Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and his administration towards the right course: cease the war, secure the release of hostages, and alleviate the suffering.”
The group believes Trump can set a diplomatic course that
would end fighting, secure the safe return of Israeli captives in Gaza, and
allow humanitarian aid deliveries. They also contend that after a ceasefire,
Trump could help rally a regional coalition to back a reformed Palestinian
Authority in governing Gaza, as a preferable alternative to Hamas.
Have Israel’s War Aims Been Met?
According to the signatories—among them, three former Mossad heads (Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, Danny Yatom), five former Shin Bet chiefs (Ayalon, Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri, Carmi Gilon), and three former military chiefs including ex-prime minister Ehud Barak—the IsraeliDefence Forces
“has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas's military formations and governance.”
In the words of The National, the letter argues:
“The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all the hostages home. Chasing remaining senior Hamas operatives can be done later.”
Why Do Ex-Officials See Prolonged War as Dangerous?
The war, which began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 being taken hostage, has lasted nearly 23 months. As reported by France 24 and The New Arab, signatories fear the continuation of fighting erodes Israel’s security, international credibility, and internal identity. According to Israel’s ex-security chiefs, Hamas
“no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel.”
What Is the Broader Humanitarian Context in Gaza?
Reporting from BBC, The New Arab, and other sources
highlights that the Gaza Strip has suffered immense civilian harm. By early
August 2025, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds dying due
to starvation or malnutrition under the Israeli blockade, according to Gaza
health authorities. Israel faces rising accusations of disproportionate force
and “genocidal” actions by international NGOs, UN officials, and world leaders.
Despite this, elements within Netanyahu’s government have
called for expanding operations and even long-term occupation of parts of Gaza. However,
international pressure for a ceasefire has intensified, with many Israeli
citizens also protesting, demanding a change in strategy and bringing home the
remaining hostages.
Will Netanyahu Respond to Trump’s Persuasion?
It remains unclear how Netanyahu or his government will
react. According to The Telegraph and The Jerusalem Post, divisions persist
within the cabinet and public opinion. Some hardline ministers resist calls for
a ceasefire, advocating instead for more aggressive measures in Gaza—even as a
significant cohort of elite veterans voice deep concerns.
What Happens Next?
As BBC and France 24 note, the former officials’ letter
coincides with stalled indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas amid
mounting humanitarian distress in Gaza. In parallel, Israel’s ambassador to the
UN announced that the Security Council will hold an emergency session on the
humanitarian plight and the fate of hostages, underlining the urgency of the
appeals.
What Are the Implications for the US and Trump?
By appealing to former President Trump, the signatories aim
to leverage his unique power with the Israeli right and centre—viewed by many
as having more sway over Israeli public opinion than other global figures.
Trump’s prior track record in the region, which includes securing Lebanese
troop withdrawals, is cited as evidence of his potential effectiveness in
crisis mediation.
Key Points from All Major Media Titles:
- Over
600 Israeli ex-security chiefs, including Mossad and Shin Bet heads
and military chiefs, call on Trump to push Netanyahu towards a Gaza
ceasefire.
- The
group, Commanders for Israel’s Security, says Hamas no longer
constitutes a strategic threat. Further war threatens Israel’s security
and legitimacy.
- Ami
Ayalon, ex-Shin Bet director (The New Arab, BBC, NDTV, The National): “At
first this war was a just war… but when we achieved all military
objectives, this war ceased to be a just war”.
- Signed
by Mossad, Shin Bet, and military leaders including Tamir Pardo,
Efraim Halevy, Danny Yatom, Ehud Barak, Moshe Ya'alon, Nadav Argaman,
Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri, Carmi Gilon, and Dan Halutz.
- Statement
to Trump in The Jerusalem Post, BBC: “You did it in Lebanon. Time
to do it in Gaza as well. Cease the war, secure the release of hostages,
and alleviate the suffering”.
- International
and domestic protests and rising pressure on Netanyahu’s
government for a ceasefire.
- Mounting
civilian toll in Gaza, with over 60,000 killed and hundreds dying from
starvation, raising global concerns about humanitarian catastrophe.
- Appeal
timing coincides with stagnant ceasefire negotiations and a UN
Security Council emergency meeting.
The open letter from Israel’s most prominent security
professionals—widely reported by leading outlets including The New Arab (edited
by Will Christou), BBC (by BBC Jerusalem Bureau), RTE, Arab News, The Jerusalem
Post, The Telegraph, NDTV, France 24, and others—marks an extraordinary
intervention in both Israeli and international politics, reflecting a moment of
reckoning in the nearly two-year conflict.