Several wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veterans gathered outside the Knesset on Monday morning to demand that Israel continue its military operations in Gaza until Hamas is entirely dismantled as a governing and military entity. Their public appeal was directed at Israeli leaders, urging them not to let the war end in vain.
“Give meaning to our blood,” the soldiers declared, calling for a decisive outcome to a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and left many more wounded. They insisted that the ultimate objective—removing Hamas’s grip on Gaza—must not be compromised for short-term political gains or diplomatic pressures.
Among the prominent voices was Lt.-Col. (res.) Itamar Eitam, a senior officer wounded during the war and part of the unit that reportedly killed former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Speaking to broadcaster Shai Golden and former MK Prof. Aryeh Eldad on 103FM radio on Tuesday, Eitam echoed the same concerns voiced by his fellow veterans.
“The war cannot end when Hamas remains a ruling entity with military capabilities in Gaza,” Eitam said. He emphasized that while his group is not seeking to interfere with military or political leadership, it does aim to ensure that the original mission remains clear and uncompromised.
Eitam reflected on the sacrifices made by those on the front lines: “I met young men who left their families, paid a heavy price, and now stand proud. They say, ‘We are not victims. We sacrificed with dignity and commitment.’”
He noted that the timing of their appeal was deliberate, coming just as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to the United States for what could be pivotal talks about the future of the conflict.
“Of course, we want the war to end,” Eitam said. “But ending it without dismantling Hamas would render all our suffering meaningless. We are not exhausted—we are ready, capable, and determined to see this through.”
The officer concluded with a heartfelt message to Netanyahu: “You draw strength from voices like ours—wounded soldiers, bereaved families, fighters. Don’t stop now. We want our sacrifices to result in lasting security—for Israel, for our children. My own son just finished 11th grade. I don’t want him fighting in Gaza two years from now.”
As Israel weighs its next steps in the prolonged war, the voices of its wounded veterans serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost—and enduring commitment—behind its military campaign.