Officers’ Letter to War Cabinet: “Morally, Operationally Wrong” to Allow Return

---

In a compelling and unusual move, over 130 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reservists and commanders, from lieutenant colonel to major general, have united to address the War Cabinet and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. They insist on preventing the return of Gazan residents to their homes in the northern strip, linking this to the ongoing hostage situation involving 136 individuals held by Hamas.

Col. (res.) Ariel Ben Gigi, commander of the Negev Division and a signatory, expressed his stance clearly: “First of all, as a citizen, I think our mission is not over. We continue to be committed to the families, we are committed to the country, far beyond our military role.” He stressed the strategic importance of the IDF’s control over northern Gaza, stating, “It is complicated and it allows us an initial strategic asset and besides that there is a lot more to do there.”

Emphasizing the moral and operational dimensions, Col. Ben Gigi articulated, “The return of the residents of Gaza there is morally wrong when thinking about the hostages, but it’s also operationally wrong. It will endanger them, it will endanger us, and it will prevent operational freedom in these areas.” His concerns extend to the potential of yielding to international pressure, potentially undermining Israel’s efforts and sacrifices in the region.

Lt. Col. Hanoch Hagar, the combat director of the 261st Division and another signatory, reflected on the motivation behind this action: “After we understood that the IDF had decided to release the reserve forces, we, a number of senior reserve officers, stand united from all ends of the political and social spectrum, and we asked ourselves how we carry on the great spirit we experienced in the last three months, into our civilian lives.” He highlighted the values of mission adherence and unity, saying, “We want to show that these values can also be applied in our daily lives as a people and as a country.”

The IDF’s control of the Netzarim Corridor is critical in this context. About 150,000 Gazans are affected by this decision, which impacts their ability to return to key towns. The IDF’s ongoing operations are seen as a necessary measure against Hamas’s influence in the area.

The officers’ unified stance is evident: “The Cabinet must make sure that the IDF completes the task of evacuating the population and make sure that the population does not return to the north as long as the hostages are not returned.” They believe in rallying the Israeli people around a shared objective, highlighting, “There is no reason for Ahmed to return to Gaza before Ziv and Gali return to Kfar Aza.”

As the War Cabinet deliberates in Tel Aviv, the future control of northern Gaza remains a critical issue. The IDF, guided by the officers’ recommendations, continues its strategic operations in the area, prioritizing the safety of the hostages and the broader security concerns of Israel.