Over 600 Ex-Israeli Security Chiefs Urge Trump to End Gaza War

More than 600 former senior Israeli security officials, including ex-heads of Mossad, Shin Bet, and the IDF, have jointly called on US President Donald Trump to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the ongoing war in Gaza. They argue in an open letter that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel and that the military objectives of dismantling Hamas' military and governance structures have been achieved. The officials emphasize that the most urgent priority now is securing the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, which can only be accomplished through a negotiated deal rather than continued military operations. The group, known as Commanders for Israel's Security (CIS), also highlights Israel's declining global legitimacy due to the prolonged conflict and calls for a shift in policy focus toward humanitarian concerns and post-war planning. Netanyahu, meanwhile, continues to pursue a decisive military victory and remains undecided on whether to escalate the offensive or allow more time for potential hostage negotiations. The US government, represented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, reportedly prefers ending the Gaza war rather than expanding it and is moving away from partial hostage deal arrangements.