Over 200 Former Israeli Police Officers Urge End to Gaza War for Captives’ Return
TEL AVIV — Over 200 retired Israeli police officers, including former chiefs and district commanders, have signed a letter urging the Israeli government to prioritize the return of captives held in Gaza — even if it means ending the war. The petition, reported by Haaretz, reflects growing internal dissent against the ongoing military operation in the Palestinian enclave.
The signatories include prominent figures such as former Israel Prison Service head Aharon Franco and ex-commander Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzhak Elgarat was killed in Gaza. Many of the former officers had previously held senior posts and were removed under the current administration led by far-right ministers.
Backing Military Reservists’ Protest
The letter aligns with a wave of similar protests from within Israel’s defense and security establishment. Just last week, dozens of Israeli Air Force reservists signed a letter calling for a deal to bring the hostages home. Their move triggered backlash from the Israeli military, leading to their dismissal.
In their letter, the former police officers expressed solidarity with the dismissed air force veterans and backed their call for an immediate focus on hostage negotiations. They emphasized that continuing the war while securing the release of captives is “not feasible.”
Public Pressure Mounts on Netanyahu
The statement adds to the pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly vowed to prioritize the hostages. However, critics say the government’s actions reflect a focus on territorial control rather than saving lives.
Families of the hostages echoed this frustration. In a strongly worded message, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the government of breaking its promise.
“They promised that the kidnapped come first. In practice, Israel is choosing to seize territory over the kidnapped,” the forum said.
“It is time to stop with the false promises and slogans. It is impossible to continue the war and at the same time release all the kidnapped.”
They urged the government to consider a deal to release the captives — even at the cost of ending the war.
Read: Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Rise Amid Drone Strikes in Southern Lebanon
Netanyahu Backs Indefinite Military Presence
The controversy follows Defence Minister Israel Katz’s recent announcement that Israeli troops would remain in so-called “security zones” in Gaza indefinitely. The decision has sparked nationwide protests, with thousands of Israelis taking to the streets demanding immediate negotiations for the captives’ release.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has backed the policy, despite growing criticism from bereaved families and former security officials.
A Nation Divided
The rising number of dissenting voices from Israel’s police, military, and general public reflects a deepening divide over the future of the Gaza war. As the humanitarian toll rises and captives remain in danger, pressure is mounting on Israel’s leadership to shift its priorities from military objectives to humanitarian action.
The central demand is clear: Bring the hostages home — now.
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