Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein: The War Has Run Its Course, Bring the Hostages Home

In a powerful address during the "Freedom March," Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein, head of Har Etzion Yeshiva (Gush), declared that the ongoing war in Gaza has "exhausted itself" and is now "only endangering soldiers."

Speaking to residents of Kfar Etzion and Nir Oz, he urged an immediate focus on securing the release of hostages, emphasizing that the "bleeding wound" of their captivity must be addressed to heal the deep divisions within Israeli society.

The two-day Freedom March, which began Tuesday morning, seeks to unite diverse Israeli communities in a shared call for the hostages' release. The event kicked off with an audiovisual presentation in Kfar Etzion, recounting the kibbutz's tragic massacre the day before Israel's founding. The march will conclude on Wednesday, marking the 600th day of the war, at Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Rabbi Lichtenstein, whose yeshiva is known for its left-leaning stance within the national-religious sector, argued that the war, once a "historic" necessity, no longer serves its original purpose. "Sixteen months ago, there was a dilemma between continuing the war and freeing the hostages," he said. "Today, it’s clear the historical obligation has run its course. We’re digging in deeper, achieving nothing, and only putting our soldiers in harm’s way."

Placing the hostages at the heart of his message, Lichtenstein stressed the moral imperative of mutual responsibility. "There will be no healing or mending of the rift in our nation until we close this bleeding wound of the hostages," he said. "The obligation is to the people of Israel." He concluded with a prayer for divine intervention, hoping for the safe return of all captives and healing for a fractured nation.