Title: Israeli Air Force Colonel Injured in Protest Vows to Stop Volunteering for Reserve Duty
Subtitle: Udi Ori criticizes government’s judicial overhaul and police response during Tel Aviv protest
Tel Aviv, Israel – Udi Ori, a colonel in the Israeli Air Force reserves, has announced that he will no longer volunteer for reserve duty after sustaining injuries during a protest against the judicial overhaul. Ori, who required eye surgery after being hit by a water cannon, declared that he would not serve under a “dictatorship.”
The incident occurred on Wednesday night during clashes between police and thousands of demonstrators who had blocked Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway. Contrary to false rumors circulating on social media, Ori clarified that he did not lose his eye as a result of the injury. He expressed hope for his sight to be restored through additional surgeries.
Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital reported that a total of 14 individuals were brought in for medical treatment following the protest. One participant was injured when a driver plowed through the crowd, seemingly while recording the incident on his phone. The driver was subsequently arrested and later released.
The police’s use of water cannons during the protest has drawn criticism, particularly from Prof. Igal Leibovitch, director of Ichilov’s Oculoplastic Institute. Leibovitch highlighted the potential damage caused by the high-powered water stream, which can lead to internal bleeding in the eye, lens and retinal damage.
Frustration among protesters and allegations of the government’s influence over the police force were cited by Ori as potential reasons for the clashes. He specifically mentioned National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s alleged role in the police’s harsh crackdown on demonstrators.
The protest in Tel Aviv was one of several held nationwide following the resignation of Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed. Eshed claimed that his demotion, ordered by Ben Gvir, was politically motivated and stemmed from allegations that he had not responded forcefully enough to anti-overhaul demonstrators.
Ori’s decision to cease reporting for reserve duty comes amid ongoing efforts by the Israeli government to advance legislation aimed at weakening the judiciary. The controversial reforms have sparked widespread protests across the country, with demonstrators expressing their concerns about potential authoritarianism.
In response to Ori’s announcement, he highlighted the need for future generations to question the actions of those serving under a dictatorship. Ori, whose previous experience includes flying combat helicopters, had been serving on a volunteer basis for the past decade.
The protests against the judicial overhaul have intensified in recent months, prompted by the government’s renewed push to pass relevant legislation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had raised alarms about the impact on security, but later paused the reforms and reversed his decision to dismiss Gallant.
The demonstrations have drawn criticism from the coalition government, particularly from Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has advocated for a tougher approach and more arrests. However, demonstrators argue that previous protests had blocked roads without facing the same level of police force.
As calls for change continue, the Israeli government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by protesters regarding the proposed judicial reforms.
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