In a powerful open letter published on October 7, marking the third anniversary of the Hamas massacre, 78 retired US military leaders and legal specialists rejected allegations that Israel committed genocide during its military campaign in Gaza.
The letter, organized by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), includes former senior commanders who have led American forces in combat and dealt directly with the complexities of urban warfare and civilian protection.
Senior retired American generals, admirals and military legal experts say Israel’s actions in Gaza do not meet the legal definition of genocide, warning that distorted accusations could undermine America’s own ability to fight future wars.
The signatories argue that genocide requires proof of a specific intention to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part. They maintain that Israel’s military conduct demonstrates the opposite.