Israeli Veterans’ Letters Protest Gaza War, Reflect National Divide/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thousands of Israeli military veterans are publicly opposing the war in Gaza, accusing the government of political manipulation and failing to bring home hostages. The growing protest movement—rooted in letters signed by reservists and retired soldiers—reflects a widening societal rift and challenges the Israeli military’s unity and capacity.
Veterans’ Letters Challenge Gaza War – Quick Look
- Nearly 10,000 retired and reservist soldiers have signed protest letters opposing the Gaza war.
- Letters began with Israeli Air Force veterans, quickly spreading to paratroopers and others.
- The protest reflects growing frustration over hostage inaction and perceived political motives.
- Military dismissals of reservists who signed letters have drawn further criticism.
- Support for bringing home hostages has overtaken support for destroying Hamas among Israelis.
Widening Dissent in Israel as Veterans Protest Gaza War Strategy
Deep Looks
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A wave of protest letters from Israeli veterans and reservists is highlighting a deepening internal divide over the war in Gaza, with accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the conflict for political gain.
The movement began when nearly 1,000 Israeli Air Force veterans signed an open letter last week urging an end to the war. The military responded swiftly, warning it would dismiss any active reservists who signed. In the days since, thousands more across military branches have followed suit.
A Crisis of Confidence
Led by figures like retired pilot Guy Poran, the movement charges that renewed fighting—resumed in March after a fragile ceasefire—serves political survival more than security.
“It’s crystal clear the renewal of the war is for political reasons,” Poran told the AP.
Netanyahu argues that military pressure is vital to force Hamas to release 59 remaining hostages, including 24 believed to still be alive. Critics worry that renewed bombing may instead jeopardize their safety.
Israeli Support Shifting Toward Hostages
An April 2025 survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found nearly 70% of Israelis now prioritize rescuing hostages over defeating Hamas—up from just over 50% three months prior. Nearly 60% also said Netanyahu’s dual goals are mutually incompatible.
Protests Spread Beyond Pilots
Though most letter-signers are no longer serving, the military’s snap decision to expel active reservists ignited further backlash. 2,500 former paratroopers signed a separate letter in solidarity, emphasizing that discontent runs wide.
“We wanted to show the pilots aren’t alone,” said Eran Duvdevani, a paratrooper letter organizer. “This is a widespread opinion that can’t be ignored.”
The Israeli military, heavily reliant on reservists—many serving into their 40s—is already stretched after 18 months of combat. The situation has worsened as more reservists cite exhaustion and economic strain for not returning to duty.
A Military Under Pressure
A military official speaking anonymously acknowledged the concern: “The army is taking these letters very seriously.” He added that using military identity for political protest undermines institutional neutrality.
But internal resentment continues to rise, particularly as ultra-Orthodox coalition partners remain exempt from service—exacerbating perceptions of unfair burden-sharing.
With nearly 850 Israeli soldiers killed since the war began, questions are mounting about whether the mission is still feasible—or just politically convenient.
Psychological Shift in Israeli Society
Eran Halperin, a social psychologist at Hebrew University, said the letters reflect a crumbling national ethos. Early war unity has fractured as the hostages remain captive and Israeli casualties grow.
“It’s very, very difficult to maintain a war when there are such deep disagreements about its purpose,” he said.
On the political front, Netanyahu’s office has issued a flurry of communications showcasing meetings with hostage families and tours with reservists in Gaza, portraying the prime minister as committed to both goals.
Protests Echo 2023 Judicial Crisis
Observers say today’s unrest mirrors last year’s massive public opposition to Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul, which fractured civil-military unity. Many now see that moment as weakening Israel internally—and emboldening Hamas to strike on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages.
The war has since killed over 51,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. International criticism has surged, but it’s now domestic dissent that poses one of the gravest threats to Israel’s military cohesion.
From War Front to Social Movement
The protest letters have attracted widespread civilian backing, including from doctors, students, academics, and tech workers. Their message is simple: end the war and bring the hostages home.
Poran summed up the broader sentiment: “It’s time we used our voice and experience to say enough.”
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