140,000 Israelis Demand Hostage Deal to End Gaza War, as Public Anger Grows

Nearly 140,000 Israelis have signed petitions calling on their government to prioritize a hostage exchange deal with Hamas, even if it means ending the Gaza War. The campaign, organized by Restored Israel, reflects growing frustration over the government’s failure to bring back captives and its prolonged military strategy.

In just the past day, over 10,000 new people joined the movement, bringing the total to 138,434 signatures by Saturday. The petitions now 50 in total include support from former soldiers, high-ranking military officials, and civilians. Among them are 11,179 current or ex-military personnel, defying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warnings against dissent.U.S. Veto Blocks UN Ceasefire for Gaza, Sparks Global Outcry

The signatories come from all parts of Israeli society:

• 73,599 ordinary citizens
• 1,500 parents of active soldiers
• 1,300 relatives of fallen troops
• Doctors, teachers, lawyers, and tech workers

Even elite military units are represented, with over 2,150 paratroopers, 1,700 armored corps veterans, and 600+ special forces members signing. Former leaders like ex-PM Ehud Barak and ex-military chiefs Dan Halutz and Amos Malka have also backed the campaign.

Netanyahu has accused the movement of “insubordination” and claims foreign groups are using it to weaken his government. His administration has started punishing military doctors who signed, but public pressure keeps rising.

Why does this matter?

• Israel believes 24 of the remaining 59 hostages in Gaza are still alive.
• Over 9,500 Palestinians are held in Israeli jails, with reports of abuse and neglect.
• Previous ceasefires (like the January 2024 deal) collapsed when Israel resumed attacks.
• Gaza’s death toll has passed 51,000, mostly women and children.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister for alleged war crimes. Meanwhile, Israel faces a genocide case at the UN’s top court.

As protests grow in Tel Aviv, the petitions show many Israelis now believe recovering hostages is more urgent than continuing the Gaza War a shift that could force the government to change course.