Over 600 former Israeli security officials urge Donald Trump to help end Gaza War

Tel Aviv/Washington (Web Desk): More than 600 retired senior officials from Israel’s security and intelligence community have jointly called on U.S. President Donald Trump to help bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.

The group, which includes ex-heads of the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Israel Defense Forces, sent an open letter urging Trump to use his influence to convince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire.

According to the signatories, Israel’s military has already achieved its main goals, and further military action serves no clear strategic interest.

These former officials are members of a collective known as Commanders for Israel’s Security, which comprises veterans of the country's top defense and law enforcement institutions.

In their appeal, they argue that Hamas no longer represents a significant threat to Israel’s security, and the organization's governing power in Gaza has already been severely diminished. They believe that the remaining objective — the safe return of Israeli hostages — is best pursued through diplomacy rather than continued combat.

The letter accuses Israel’s current leadership of prolonging the conflict for political reasons, claiming that the war is no longer justified on security grounds. The continued fighting, they say, is damaging Israel's global image, threatening national cohesion, and putting innocent lives at risk. They assert that pressing on with the campaign could even compromise the chances of securing the hostages’ release.

The group chose to appeal directly to Trump because of his popularity among segments of the Israeli population and his past influence on Israeli policy. They believe he is uniquely positioned to persuade Netanyahu to adopt a more pragmatic course.

The letter also lays out a vision for what should follow a ceasefire. The officials propose a transition in Gaza’s administration, suggesting that a renewed and restructured Palestinian Authority—supported by a regional coalition—could assume control.

They argued that this approach would not only prevent Hamas from regaining political power but would also allow for meaningful reconstruction and long-term stability in the territory.

This call for a change in course comes amid growing frustration among Israelis, including military reservists and medical professionals, who have also spoken out against the war’s continuation. Many critics fear that without a diplomatic solution, the situation will continue to deteriorate without achieving lasting results.

The former security chiefs describe the current moment as a critical opportunity for Israel to shift toward a sustainable political and humanitarian resolution, with international backing.

The group urged President Trump to help lead that shift before more lives are lost and further damage is done.