1,600+ Israeli ex-troops urge captive return, ending war on Gaza
2 Min Read
Former Israeli paratroopers and infantry add to the wave of letters addressing the Israeli government, calling for a captive exchange deal and ending the war on Gaza, which has killed 50,000+ Palestinians.
-
Volunteers and emergency workers remove a body from the rubble of the Manoun family's house after it was targeted by an Israeli army strike in Jabalia al-Balad, Gaza City, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP)
Over 1,600 former Israeli Occupation Forces paratroopers and infantry soldiers have signed a letter urging the government to secure a deal for the return of captives, even at the cost of ending the war, Ynet reported on Monday.
“We, the fighters and commanders of the paratroopers and infantry units, whose flag bears the words: ‘We do not leave wounded behind on the battlefield,’ call for the return of the hostages, even at the cost of halting the fighting. This is a call to save lives," the letter said.
In mid-March, the Israeli occupation military resumed its bombing campaign against the Palestinian enclave, breaching a two-month ceasefire agreement that brought relative calm and had ensured a prisoner exchange between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance.
This letter is one of many echoing similar calls launched by IOF reservist doctors, former 8200 intelligence unit members, ex-Mossad members, navy reservists, and reservist air force personnel.
Israeli soldiers call for an end to the war on Gaza
Earlier on April 9, Israeli Air Force (IAF) chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar held discussions with reservists, veterans, and former IAF commanders about their intention to publish a public letter urging a suspension of military service, according to Israeli media reports.
The letter, drafted by reservists and veterans, criticizes the Israeli military’s resumption of the war on Gaza, which they view as politically motivated rather than strategically necessary.
Reports indicated that the letter also addresses the government’s push for judicial reforms, the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and efforts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
On April 10, 150 Israeli Navy officers signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Security Minister Israel Katz, Knesset members, and military leadership, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, according to reports.
Dozens of reservist doctors signed a separate letter calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza to facilitate the captives’ return, arguing that prolonging the war jeopardizes both Israeli soldiers and captives while pointing to the deaths of 40 captives during the military’s ground invasion, according to reports.
