After over a thousand reservists in the Israeli Air Force threatened on Friday to refrain from volunteering for military service if the government proceeds with planned judicial amendments, which will have a key component presented to the Knesset next week, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called for a postponement of the Knesset vote on the judicial amendments.
The Israeli military commented on the soldiers’ threat by stating: "We are examining the impact of the message sent by the reservists in the Israeli Air Force, who threatened to refrain from volunteering for military service if the government advances the planned judicial amendments." Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari mentioned that the army is carefully considering the details contained in the message, which he said bore the signatures of more than 1,100 reservists, "and accordingly, we will examine the implications."
The message, published by Israeli media without disclosing the names of the signatories, is the latest indication of military opposition to the far-reaching judicial changes pushed by the religious-nationalist coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development seems to have made some coalition members at least more determined to push forward with the changes.
Veterans of the air force state that reservists who volunteer after completing their mandatory military service represent about half of the crews for combat mission aircraft. Supporters of the amendments argue that they will restore the balance of powers. However, opponents see them as undermining the vital principle of checks and balances. This campaign has led to months of unprecedented nationwide protests, harmed the economy, and raised concerns among Western allies.
In their message, the reservists wrote, "Legislation that allows the government to act in an extremely unreasonable manner will jeopardize the security of the State of Israel, lead to a loss of trust, violate my consent to continue risking my life, and will, with great sorrow and no other choice, lead to a suspension of my voluntary duty in the reserve forces."
Reuters was unable to independently verify the identities of the reservists. In response to the message on Friday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir tweeted that "refusal to serve is dangerous for the country."
