Protesters chant slogans against the far-right coalition led by the prime minister and its judicial regulation Photo: Anadolu
Nir Cohen felt tears come out on his eyelids as he reread his ad for what must have been the hundredth time. Then he pulled himself together and pressed the «Submit» button.
“I, Nir Avishi Cohen, Major, serial number 7018784, Infantry Brigade Commander, with a heavy heart, inform you of my refusal to serve,” said the message, which was sent to Mr. Cohen’s commanders and then to his social media followers. «I refuse to continue serving in the Israel Defense Forces [Israel Defense Forces], the army of a non-democratic country.»
At the touch of a button, he made what seemed to be the most painful decision of his life: severing ties with his prestigious military background to protest Benjamin Netanyahu's highly controversial proposal to overhaul the country's legal system.
Mr. Cohen's emotional statement was the first of potentially thousands of statements by Israeli reservists in the coming weeks as Mr. Netanyahu's opponents use unprecedented new tactics to stop his reforms.
«I've been thinking about this for many months and it took me many, many hours to decide,” Mr. Cohen, who served as a combat officer and then a reservist for 24 years, told The Telegraph.
“I wrote it all down and published it… I was sure that I did the right thing, but it was very, very sad. I never thought I would make posts like this in my life,” added the 42-year-old man.
For seven months, millions of Israelis have demonstrated in the streets against reforms that they say will turn Israel into a dictatorship without legal checks and balances from the government.
But so far, protesters have failed to stop the new laws, which the government claims are a necessary step to reduce the influence of unelected judges, will not be passed.
A call to refuse military service due to a major overhaul of Mr. on Netanyahu became extremely emotional for the Israelis, forcing them to fight their sense of patriotism and to hold lengthy debates on this issue on the margins of protest marches.
It is also very emotional. symbolizes the deep and bitter split between the country's secular liberals, who vehemently oppose the reforms, and the religious conservatives, who support them.
The IDF has already acknowledged a rise in failures due to overhauls, while Mr. Netanyahu pleaded with reservists to «exclude IDF service from political debate.»
Warning that enemies could exploit political chaos
The head of the Israeli Air Force also warned that regional enemies such as Iran could try to take advantage of the political chaos surrounding the reforms.
Mr. Cohen's social media post about his rejection quickly went viral. a broadly positive response. Many welcomed his decision, he said, although he also received abusive messages from supporters of Mr. Netanyahu's divisive overhaul plan.
“My colleagues and soldiers were surprised, they sent several messages not only to supporting my decision, but also joining my decision,” he said. «But I don't know if I will be punished or how the army will react.»
Israelis on Monday are trying to quell unrest over parliamentary legislation that would weaken judges' power over ministers. Credit: UNPIXS
Tensions over law reform came to a head this week when the government passed a law that limits the power of judges to challenge ministerial decisions they deem unreasonable or reckless.
In response, protest leaders said that 10,000 Reservists had signed a pledge to stop volunteering with the army in a last-ditch effort to stop reforms.
This figure represents a notable proportion of the 400,000 to 500,000 reservists in the IDF — and is said to include airmen — fighter jets and elite military personnel who form the backbone of Israel's security in times of war.
However, Israeli military sources said it was too early to say how many reservists would fulfill their promise and whether this would affect the functioning of the army.
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The issue of conscientious objection dominates the conversation. in bars, cafes and offices across Israel, especially among those under 30 who are more likely to play prominent reservist roles and oppose Mr. Netanyahu's reforms.
«I grew up thinking that this our country and we will serve it and protect it for its security. But now I feel like I'm fighting for my home [by refusing to serve in the reserve] and trying my best to keep it a democracy,” said 30-year-old Coral Helft.
She stressed that the reforms were just the beginning of a much broader attempt by Israel's far-right government to establish religious conservative rule. One hardline government minister even backed calls to ban women from serving in the army, which for Ms Helft was a key factor in her decision. » /> People gather in Tel Aviv to protest against the overhaul of the judicial system. Photo: Anadolu
Others are less confident about the refusal, and some are concerned that military service, which is mandatory in Israel and a source of great pride, is being politicized.
«I'm not giving up,» said a female reservist who was concerned that the protesters were undermining security at a time when Israel faces growing threats from archenemy Iran. “Personally, I think this is wrong. Over the past few weeks, I have even performed more standby tasks than usual.”
“The IDF is on full alert,”
Israeli military analysts said they have yet to see any sign of a security breach. reservists who refuse to serve. But the situation can change quickly.
“In general, the IDF is in full readiness. Over the past few months, there have been no pilots who have not served, and in some units there has been an increase in the number of ground troops,” said Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli brigadier general and security commentator.
“But this is in to a certain extent normalizes the willingness to support acts of subordination for political reasons. Therefore, the army faces a big task.”
One of the main questions facing reservists who refuse to serve is what they will do if a war breaks out with one of Israel’s regional enemies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, or even with Iran.< /p>
Some have said they will put politics aside and return to their duties, and then resume the boycott as soon as the security situation improves. But others say their withdrawal from the armed forces will be permanent, even if Israel is attacked.
Mr Cohen, a former infantry officer, belongs to the second group. “My decision is permanent and I have communicated this to my commander,” he said.
“This situation [war] can happen, unfortunately, and it may even be in the government’s interest to have a conflict. or war, so that everyone forgets about it.
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