Chiefs of Staff, commissioners, and former heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet have sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, supporting the announcement of the end of mass volunteering in the Air Force. The letter, which was signed by prominent figures such as Ehud Barak, Moshe Ya’alon, Moshe Karadi, Nadav Argaman, Karmi Gilon, and Tamir Pardo, criticized the Israeli government’s legislative moves and called for a halt to the legislation.
The letter stated that the legislative process is damaging the IDF and Israel’s security, as well as undermining Israeli democracy. The signatories argued that this legislation violates the social contract that has existed for 75 years between the government and thousands of reserve commanders and soldiers who have volunteered to defend the democratic state of Israel.
The generals and former heads of intelligence agencies expressed their support for those who have decided to suspend their volunteering, calling it an act of national responsibility for the defense of Israeli democracy. They held Prime Minister Netanyahu directly responsible for the damage caused to the IDF and Israel’s security, and demanded that he stop the legislation.
The signatories included a long list of prominent figures, such as Major General Ehud Barak, Major General Moshe Ya’alon, Major General Danny Halutz, and retired heads of intelligence agencies including Nahum Admoni, Shabti Shavit, and Tamir Pardo. The letter was also signed by retired chief rabbis and numerous other retired military officials.
The letter concluded by calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to take responsibility for the harm caused to the IDF and Israel’s security, and to lead a process of communication and consensus-building among the people and the Knesset.
It is unclear how Prime Minister Netanyahu will respond to this letter and whether it will have any impact on the ongoing legislative moves. The suspension of mass volunteering in the Air Force is seen as a significant development, as the reserve forces play a crucial role in Israel’s defense strategy.