Over 150 ex-navy officers call to halt war in Gaza, say fighting delays return of hostages

More than 150 former Israeli Navy officers sign a letter demanding an immediate halt to the war in Gaza, warning that the current path endangers both hostages and soldiers.

The letter, stating that “the resumption of fighting delays the release of the hostages, endangers the soldiers and harms innocent civilians,” is similar to one published earlier today signed by Israeli Air Force reservists.

The navy officers criticize the government’s conduct, claiming it “undermines the foundations of statesmanship, erodes public trust, and raises serious concerns that security decisions are being dictated by illegitimate considerations.”

The letter emphasizes: “59 hostages are still in Hamas’s tunnels, and the country is moving further and further away from its obligation to free them.” They accuse the government of prioritizing “political and personal interests, and not security interests,” adding that “the resumption of fighting distances the release of the hostages, endangers soldiers, and harms innocent civilians.”

They also reference the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption, writing: “The government is advancing a discriminatory policy: sectoral budgets and sweeping exemptions from military service. Those who serve feel betrayed.”

Their letter concludes with a message to the government: “We carry the burden. The responsibility is yours.”