In an open letter shared with the media today, hundreds of former security officials stated, "In our professional assessment, Hamas is no longer a strategic threat to Israel," referring to the nearly two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The letter was signed by 550 individuals, including former leaders of the Shin Bet internal security agency and the Mossad foreign intelligence agency. They argue that the Israeli military has long since achieved the two objectives attainable through force: dismantling Hamas's military organizations and eliminating its administrative apparatus.
"The third and most important objective can only be achieved through an agreement: bringing all hostages home. The pursuit of the remaining senior Hamas members can be carried out afterward," the letter reads.
The former officials urged US President Donald Trump to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They believe that President Trump has credibility with a majority of Israelis and can exert pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the conflict and rescue the hostages.
They also believe that the US President could encourage a regional alliance to support the Palestinian Authority in taking over Gaza from Hamas.
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Israeli armored vehicles operate in central Gaza Strip on 24/7. Photo: AFP |
Israeli armored vehicles operate in central Gaza Strip on 24/7. Photo: AFP
In a video released with the letter, former Shin Bet director Ami Ayalon said Israel's fight "was initially just and defensive". "Once we have achieved all our military objectives, the war is no longer just. It is causing Israel to lose its security and its identity," he said.
The Gaza Strip conflict erupted in 10/2023 after Hamas forces launched a coordinated attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Currently, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 believed by Israel to be dead.
Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed over 60,000 people, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities.
Many countries have recently called for a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid by UN agencies and the rescue of the remaining hostages. However, some Israeli officials, including ministers in Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition government, are still urging Israeli forces to advance to occupy all or part of Gaza.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
