Additionally, around 1,700 artists and cultural figures have called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, emphasizing the war's toll on both sides.

Despite Netanyahu's claims, polls indicate that nearly 70% of the Israeli public favors ending the war to secure the release of hostages.

Former leaders of the Mossad and military officials have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and prioritize the return of hostages.

A letter signed by nearly 1,000 reservists and retired officers from the air force condemned the escalation of Israeli strikes following the collapse of a ceasefire in March 2025, attributing it to Netanyahu's political interests.

Reservists from the Israeli Air Force were among the first to express their concerns, demanding that the government focus on releasing hostages instead of continuing military operations.

The authors of the letter criticized the government for failing to take responsibility for the crisis and lacking a clear plan for resolution.

In response to the dissent, Netanyahu dismissed the protests as the actions of a small group influenced by foreign money, claiming they lack broader military support.

They argued that the ongoing captivity of hostages undermines the moral foundations of the state and that continued conflict will lead to further loss of life.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing in Cairo, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, as efforts to establish a new ceasefire continue after previous talks failed.

The Israeli government is attempting to suppress dissent among reservists to avoid a repeat of the protests seen in 2023 against Netanyahu's judicial reforms.

More than 10,000 Israelis, including military reservists and professionals, have echoed calls for an immediate end to the war, expressing solidarity with the pilots.

Critics argue that Netanyahu's decision to escalate the conflict caters to far-right coalition partners who demand a complete defeat of Hamas to maintain government stability.