Bereaved Families to Netanyahu: "Sieze the Opportunity" to End Hamas

Bereaved families from southern Israel have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seize what they called a “historic opportunity” to bring about the complete dismantling of Hamas rule in Gaza, warning that any retreat from the war’s stated goals would endanger future generations and betray the memory of the fallen.

In a letter sent to Netanyahu following his meeting with US President Donald Trump, families from the southern border region whose relatives were killed in the Iron Swords war demanded a decisive military victory and the full destruction of Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

The families, members of the HaGvurah Forum, said they were writing “from the depths of bereavement” and from a sense of moral obligation to ensure Israel’s long-term security. Many of the signatories are residents of Sderot and communities near the Gaza border.

“Our loved ones fell in battle to ensure that the people of Israel could live safely in their land and that terrorist organizations would never again be able to raise their heads,” the letter stated. “Their sacrifice obligates us to stand guard and ensure that the State of Israel does not compromise on its security at any price.”

Referring to Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, the families pointed to statements made during the talks regarding the dismantling of Hamas and the return of hostages. They called on the Israeli government to remain firm and to continue the campaign until Hamas is fully defeated.

“Following your meeting this week, we ask you and the government of Israel to stand resolute and not stop until Hamas is decisively and permanently defeated,” the families wrote. “Only a clear victory will secure our future.”

The letter cited Trump’s remarks that if Hamas does not disarm and immediately return the body of fallen soldier Ran Guvili, Israel should respond with overwhelming force. According to the families, those comments draw a “clear moral and international red line” that Israel must act upon.

“We grant you the moral and public mandate to be uncompromising in the face of the enemy and against any external pressure aimed at preventing the achievement of the war’s objectives,” the families wrote. “There is no room for temporary arrangements or half victories.”

They warned that any deviation from the goal of total defeat would constitute “a severe blow to the security of our children and to the memory of the fallen.”

The letter was signed by relatives of Shilo Cohen, Tom Segal, Shalev Yitzhak, Yonatan “Tzur” Bernash, Yedidya Eliyahu, Dvir Assoulin, Saar Margolis, Neria Zisk, Dvir Lisha and Tal Cohen.

The appeal is part of a broader campaign by the Forum of Valor surrounding Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump. In recent weeks, representatives of the forum have held protests outside cabinet meetings and sent a separate letter to the US president signed by more than 200 bereaved family members.

“The history books will judge the leadership of the state by its determination at this critical moment,” the families concluded. “We expect you to lead the IDF and the nation to a victory that ensures our loved ones did not fall in vain.”