A new appeal to save the hostages, a fresh attempt to bring the war in Gaza to an end and the realization that only Donald Trump can now influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies. On the morning of Monday, August 4, more than 500 former officials from Israel's security establishment – including prominent and respected figures from the Mossad (foreign intelligence) and Shin Bet (domestic intelligence) agencies, as well as diplomatic service – explicitly called on the US president to intervene and pressure Israel to negotiate a ceasefire. "We urge you to end the Gaza war. You did it in Lebanon. Time to do it in Gaza as well," wrote the retired officers and diplomats, members of the Commanders for Israel's Security (CIS) movement, which comprises several hundred former senior officials.

"Your credibility with the vast majority of Israelis augments your ability to steer Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government in the right direction," wrote the signatories. The Israeli army "has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas' military formations and governance," added the CIS members. "The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all hostages home."

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