Israeli media report growing divisions within the Israeli occupation forces, particularly in the Air Force, as soldiers and reservists increasingly question the "legitimacy" of the ongoing war on Gaza. Many claim their continued involvement is motivated by a sense of duty to rescue captives, rather than alignment with the political objectives driving the war.

These internal tensions are now in sharp contrast with statements from Israeli political officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who recently claimed, "Returning the hostages is not the most important goal."

This declaration has sparked outrage among many soldiers, particularly within the Air Force, who argue that without the mission to bring captives home, they would not continue to fight.

Pilots' letter sparks debate

Following a recent airstrike in al-Shujaiyah, which killed an estimated 40 Palestinians, mostly women and children, a group of Israeli reserve pilots released a letter urging the government to prioritize the return of captives, even if that meant ending the war. The letter warned, "The continuation of the war will cause the deaths of hostages, IDF troops, and innocent civilians."

While the letter's final tone was moderated, it ignited a fierce debate within the Air Force and broader military ranks about the war’s objectives and the heavy civilian toll.

Internal disputes over killings in Gaza

Interviews with current and former Air Force personnel reveal deep unease, Israeli media reported. Some pilots acknowledged their involvement in airstrikes that resulted in the killing of Palestinians. "I know that I killed children. Even if it was an error, it stays with you," said K., a drone operator, referring to the repeated targeting of civilian areas in Gaza.

R., a reservist F-16 pilot, expressed little trust in the government, saying, "Even if 90 percent of the war's purpose is Bibi's attempt to hold onto power, in the end there are soldiers below who are waiting for air cover, and I'm going to be there to help them. But it's being eroded, that feeling."

Others noted that the IOF’s internal processes, particularly those in the Air Force’s central command, obscure the human cost of their actions. "A pilot today can't know what he's bombing," said a retired pilot now serving as an air support officer.

Trust in leadership eroding

The moral strain is compounded by growing doubts about the government’s handling of the war. Some airmen report a diminished faith in political figures and even in aspects of military leadership. "People have grown tired of this dilemma. Reserve enlistment is already very low. The regular soldiers are fatigued," said Lt. Col. P., a retired fighter pilot who has refused to return for further reserve duty.

Although none of the personnel interviewed have refused to carry out orders, many signaled growing discontent. As the assault on Gaza continues, there are indications that internal dissent may lead to reduced participation in future operations, as per reports.

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"If the war goes on like this, the more question marks there are, people will just stop showing up for reserve duty. Because if you cannot live with yourself, you just can't. And in the end, it may become a wave," warned D., an active fighter pilot.

Despite continued operations, signs of internal disagreement have emerged within the ranks of the Israeli occupation forces. Discussions reported in Israeli media reveal that some personnel are questioning the objectives of the war, particularly as political leadership shifts focus away from the captives. One drone operator admitted, "Whether I am taking part in a war whose bottom line is harming a great many people who don't wish me ill."

Such internal unrest highlights fractures within the military, driven not by concern for the Palestinian victims but by dissatisfaction over the perceived abandonment of the captive issue, which some claim is their main motivation.

As the aggression on Gaza persists, the disconnect between the military’s stated goals and political leadership grows, raising questions even within Israeli media about the direction and sustainability of the ongoing genocide.

IOF claim they fight for captives as political leaders face criticism

Israeli soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip have voiced "frustration and exhaustion," stating that their continued participation in the war is driven by a desire to rescue captives, even as political leaders appear to abandon them in favor of political gains, Israeli media reported.

The remarks, made during a tour of the Rafah area organized by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF), highlight growing tensions between soldiers on the ground and "Israel’s" political leadership.

Senior IOF officers reiterated that the ongoing military campaign in Rafah is primarily aimed at securing the return of captives. However, soldiers expressed skepticism over whether current operations are truly serving that objective. Many believe that without the captives, motivation among the ranks would sharply decline.

"If it weren't for the hostages, which is the most important thing for most of the soldiers here, I believe many troops would not be here," one soldier said.

The Israeli military has faced significant strain over the past year and a half, with repeated deployments, rising casualties, and increasing disillusionment among both reservists and active-duty soldiers. The IOF continue to operate in heavily damaged areas of Rafah, including the newly established Morag Corridor, as per Israeli media.

Smotrich’s remarks fuel controversy

The soldiers' alleged vow to rescue captives comes in stark contrast to recent comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who stated, "Returning the hostages is not the most important goal." His remarks, which spread quickly via media push notifications during the IOF briefing, undermined commanders’ claims that captive recovery remains the primary focus of the war effort.

Smotrich’s statement has intensified criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces mounting pressure over accusations that his government has deprioritized the return of captives. Opponents accuse Netanyahu of abandoning those still held in Gaza, straining public support for the prolonged military campaign.

Morale wanes after prolonged war

Many soldiers, now in their second year of continuous operations, expressed a sense of weariness and detachment from political discourse, as per Israeli media.

"The people here are asking why we're here," said one soldier. "We don't see our homes. The conditions are fine, but there is a sense of weariness."

While IOF commanders continue to insist that all efforts are geared toward captive rescue, they were unable to cite specific operations dedicated to that goal. The devastation in Rafah, marked by widespread destruction and collapsed buildings, raises doubts about the viability of locating and safely recovering captives in such an environment.

As the war drags on, soldiers cling to personal reasons for staying engaged.

"I don't know how the war in Gaza will end, but I'm ending this war with my hair intact. That will be my personal victory photo. Let the IDF find its own victory shot," one officer remarked, reflecting a mixture of resignation and personal resolve.

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces continue their relentless and genocidal assault on Gaza, with the death toll surpassing 51,266 and over 116,991 injured, the vast majority of them civilians. Since March 18, 2025, alone, 1,890 people have been killed and 4,950 wounded, underscoring the escalating brutality of the ongoing aggression. This devastating toll on Palestinian lives reflects not only the scale of destruction but also the ongoing impunity with which Israel and its forces carry out these crimes, unchecked by international accountability.