"In our professional assessment, Hamas is no longer a strategic threat to Israel," the former Israeli officials said in an open letter published by Israeli media on August 4.
Ami Ayalon, former director of Israel's Shin Bet Security Service, said the conflict in Gaza was initially aimed at defense and Israel had achieved all military goals. He said the conflict, which is about to enter its 23rd month, is causing Israel to lose security and identity.
The letter was signed by 550 people, including former Shin Bet directors and the Mossad Intelligence Service. Former Israeli officials have called on President Donald Trump to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adjust decisions towards a ceasefire.
Israel launched a military operation into the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7, 2023 attack carried out by Hamas.
In recent weeks, Israel has been under increasing pressure from the international community to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing Israeli hostages to be released and UN agencies to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza.
