Israeli Air Force Reservists Suspend Volunteer Duty in Protest against Judicial Overhaul
Over 1,100 Israeli Air Force reservists, including hundreds of pilots, have announced their suspension of volunteer reserve duty in protest against the government’s plans to overhaul the judicial system. The letter, addressed to Knesset members, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, and IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, called on the government to reach broad agreements regarding the judicial overhaul and preserve the independence and trust in the judicial system.
The decision by these reservists is part of a growing phenomenon that has sent shockwaves through the Israel Defense Forces. Many reservists have warned that they cannot serve in an undemocratic Israel, which they fear the country will become if the government’s overhaul plans are realized.