Former Mossad Chief Calls Gaza War “Insane,” says⁤ It⁤ Doesn’t Benefit Israel

⁢ ‍ Updated June 05, 2025

Tel Aviv is seeing ‍growing dissent against the ongoing ⁤war in Gaza, with ⁤manny Israelis prioritizing the return of hostages held by Hamas and an ‍end to the conflict. This sentiment extends beyond the political left, fueled by distrust in the government’s handling of the situation.

Tamir Pardo, former director of the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, has emerged as a⁣ vocal critic. Pardo, who led‍ the Mossad from 2011 to 2016, described the war as “insane” and a “waste of time,” asserting that it does not serve Israel’s interests.He ⁢emphasized ⁣that while defending the country⁤ is crucial, endless warfare is not the solution.

Pardo’s criticism comes amid increasing public frustration.Protests have⁣ become commonplace,with demonstrators demanding ⁣the government ‍secure the release of hostages and bring an end to the‍ fighting. the depth‍ of this discontent is evident even in everyday interactions, from airport announcements to ⁣street ‍slogans.

Adding to the pressure‍ on‍ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, more than 250 veteran Israeli intelligence officers, including Pardo and two⁤ other former Mossad directors,⁢ signed an open⁣ letter urging him to prioritize de-escalation. They argued that continuing⁤ the war would not ⁢achieve its stated objectives and would endanger the lives of hostages, soldiers, and civilians.

Recent polling data reflects this widespread dissatisfaction. According to one survey, 70% of Israelis do⁢ not trust the⁢ government, and⁤ a similar percentage favors a deal⁣ with Hamas to secure the hostages’ release and end⁢ the war. ‍these figures highlight the growing gap between the‍ government’s policies and the public’s desire for peace and security.

We are already 600 days ⁤after⁢ October 7. And⁤ we have five divisions deployed in Gaza. And I ‍don’t see an end⁣ to that war.

It is useless. It’s accomplishing nothing. Nothing. I’m not talking ⁤about those people who are living or dying in Gaza. I’m talking about Israel. From Israel’s point ‍of ⁢view, it’s a waste of time. What we’re doing—waste of lives, waste of money,⁣ wasting the future.

The latest cease-fire proposal involves exchanging⁤ hostages,both living and deceased,for Palestinian prisoners. While Israel has agreed to a temporary pause in fighting,Hamas seeks a ⁣commitment to a permanent end to the war,a point of contention in ongoing negotiations.

At the end of the day, when I’m thinking about⁢ my children, my grandchildren, I would like that they’re going⁣ to live in a safe country,‍ but in a peaceful country.

And⁢ in ‍order to achieve peace, from time to time, you have to use your⁣ sword. But I don’t think that you can⁤ solve the problem with‍ your sword. What’s happening here now in Israel, it’s insane.

What’s next

The coming weeks will be critical as negotiations ⁣continue and public‍ pressure mounts on the Israeli government to find a resolution that prioritizes the return of the hostages and brings an end to the Gaza war.