Over 250 IDF Intelligence Reservists Urge Government to End War, Prioritize Hostage Return

More than 250 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence reservists have signed an open letter demanding an immediate end to the ongoing war and calling for the government to prioritize the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The letter, released this week, reflects a growing wave of dissent within Israel’s security establishment, with reservists increasingly vocal about their disapproval of the government’s current war strategy. Many argue that continued military operations are undermining efforts to secure the safe release of captives.

“Bringing the hostages home must be the top national priority,” the reservists wrote. “Our continued presence in Gaza is not achieving this goal and may, in fact, be putting lives at greater risk.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly responded, dismissing the reservists’ letter as harmful and divisive. He referred to the signatories as “noisy anarchists” and accused them of boosting the morale of Israel’s enemies through internal criticism.

“These letters do not reflect the will of the majority,” Netanyahu stated. “They only encourage Hamas and other hostile elements who thrive on signs of division within Israel.”

The growing protest movement within the IDF comes amid increasing public pressure and nationwide protests, particularly from families of the hostages. Critics accuse the government of failing to engage in meaningful negotiations for their release.

Defense analysts say the unusual level of public dissent from active and reserve military personnel signals a serious internal rift — one that may impact both domestic politics and Israel’s military strategy moving forward.

Keywords: IDF reservists letter 2025, Israel hostage crisis, Netanyahu war criticism, Gaza conflict reservists, Israel internal dissent, Israeli intelligence protest