Approximately 200 retired and reserve Israeli Air Force pilots convened outside the IDF headquarters Tuesday evening, demanding an immediate deal to release hostages and opposing the government’s decision to occupy Gaza City, a move they argue endangers both captives and soldiers.
The protest at the Kirya military base took place after last week’s cabinet approval to seize Gaza City, with reports suggesting some ministers were considering a full occupation of the Strip. This decision, made despite objections from senior military officials, has raised concerns about the fate of hostages held by Hamas and the state of Israel’s global reputation.
A Wrenching Letter From Ron Arad’s Wife
Protesters shared a letter from Tami Arad, the wife of long-missing IAF navigator Ron Arad, who disappeared in 1986 after bailing out over Lebanon. “Thirty-nine years ago, I tried to explain that Ron’s time was running out,” she wrote. “Today, decision-makers know what can happen, yet the government has chosen to occupy Gaza.”
Calling the plan a “death trap,” Arad cautioned that it neglects the urgent need to free hostages, a concern that was also voiced by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir during the cabinet’s 10-hour debate.
Military and Moral Warnings
Former IDF chief Dan Halutz told the assembled crowd, “Enough! Stop this foolish and unnecessary war… Do not let the fanatics lead us into darkness.”
Reservist pilot Guy Poran made a reference to the biblical Binding of Isaac, stating: “Don’t sacrifice our sons to their deaths in Gaza when the objective is neither Israel’s security nor the hostages’ return, and it goes against the public’s will.”
In a collective statement, the pilots declared the war is taking “an unbearable toll” on the 50 remaining captives—20 believed to be alive and 28 confirmed dead—while risking the lives of soldiers, harming civilians in Gaza, and dragging Israel’s international standing “to a historic low.”
The government maintains it will only accept a comprehensive deal to secure the release of all captives, rejecting any partial agreements. It is now reported that mediating nations are scrambling to restart negotiations with Hamas.
