Leading Religious Zionist rabbis caution that a partial ceasefire agreement with Hamas could endanger Israel’s security and prolong captivity for unreleased hostages.
As Israel engages in advanced negotiations for a potential hostage and ceasefire agreement with Hamas, a group of prominent Religious Zionist rabbis has issued a stark public warning against any partial deal, arguing it would undermine the objectives of the war, compromise national security, and jeopardize the lives of hostages left behind.
In their statement, the rabbis express unwavering support for the families of the hostages, fallen soldiers, and victims of terror, calling them the true backbone of the nation. However, they firmly assert that the path to bringing the hostages home must come through the defeat of Hamas, not through compromise.
“A partial deal, as currently proposed, is a dangerous concession,” the rabbis write. “It sabotages the goal of victory and risks shattering the unity of the Israeli people. Hostages not included in such a deal may tragically remain in captivity indefinitely, and their lives may be placed at even greater risk.”
The rabbis warn that any truce would provide Hamas with time to regroup, rearm, and reignite violence, interpreting Israel’s halt in operations as a sign of weakness or surrender.
“Ceasing military operations and withdrawing from Gaza will not ensure safety—it will embolden Hamas and could lead to further bloodshed among our soldiers,” the letter warns.
Concluding with a call to action, the rabbis stress the moral and strategic necessity of total victory:
“Our duty is to fully defeat the enemy—to dismantle its infrastructure and permanently expel its leadership from our land. Only when Hamas is preoccupied with survival will it consider surrender. That is when true peace and security will return to the people of Israel.”
The statement is signed by 15 senior Religious Zionist rabbinical figures, including:
- Rabbi Dov Lior
- Rabbi Yaakov Ariel
- Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu
- Rabbi Eitan Eisman
- Rabbi Yosef Artziel
- Rabbi Moshe Gantz
- Rabbi David Hai Cohen
- Rabbi Uri Cohen
- Rabbi Michael Herskovitz
- Rabbi Elyakim Levanon
- Rabbi David Dudkiewicz
- Rabbi David Pendel
- Rabbi Uriel Sfaz
- Rabbi Netanel Yossifun
- Rabbi Baruch Wieder
Their collective voice adds growing pressure to the national conversation surrounding the costs and consequences of a negotiated pause in the war with Hamas.
