Around 200 retired and reserve Israeli Air Force pilots gathered outside the IDF headquarters Tuesday evening, calling for an immediate hostage deal and denouncing the government’s decision to capture Gaza City — a move they say endangers both captives and soldiers.

The protest at the Kirya military base followed last week’s cabinet approval to seize Gaza City, with some ministers reportedly considering full occupation of the Strip.

The decision, made despite opposition from top military officials, has raised alarms over the fate of hostages held by Hamas and Israel’s international image.

A poignant letter from ron arad’s wife

Protesters read a letter from Tami Arad, 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 decided to occupy Gaza.”

Calling the plan a “death trap,” Arad warned it ignores the urgency of freeing hostages, echoing concerns voiced by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir in the cabinet’s 10-hour deliberation.

Military and moral warnings

Former IDF chief Dan Halutz told the crowd:

“Enough! Stop this unnecessary war of folly… Do not let the messianics lead us into darkness.”

Reservist pilot Guy Poran invoked the biblical Binding of Isaac: “Don’t sacrifice our sons to death in Gaza when the goal is neither Israel’s security nor the hostages’ return, and goes against the public’s will.”

In a joint statement, the pilots said the war is taking “an unbearable toll” on the 50 remaining captives — 20 believed alive, 28 confirmed dead — while risking soldiers’ lives, harming civilians in Gaza, and dragging Israel’s global standing “to an unprecedented low.”

The government insists it will only accept a comprehensive deal securing the release of all captives, rejecting partial agreements. Mediating nations are now reportedly racing to restart talks with Hamas.