Nearly 1,000 retired Israeli Air Force veterans have signed a public letter demanding the government prioritize the release of hostages held in Gaza — even if it means ending the war against Hamas. The letter, published in Israeli newspapers, argues that continued military action endangers hostages, IDF soldiers, and civilians, and no longer serves national security but “political and personal interests.”
While the letter did not call for a refusal to serve, it prompted swift backlash from the military. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) moved to dismiss any active reservists who signed it, stating that soldiers cannot use the Air Force’s name for political protests.
Among the signatories are prominent former military leaders, including ex-IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz and former planning head Nimrod Sheffer. Only five of the signatories are believed to be active reservists, though investigations are ongoing.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar condemned the letter, emphasizing that it undermines the military’s mission. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized the signatories, calling them “fringe extremists” seeking to weaken Israeli society.
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed these concerns, saying the IDF’s war in Gaza remains a just fight to defeat Hamas and bring the hostages home. Several far-right lawmakers went further, calling for punitive actions against the signatories, including revoking military pensions.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions over military dissent, with fears of growing refusal among reservists — a sensitive issue since the massive call-up following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.
