Chief of Staff Harshly Criticizes Reservists’ Protest, Stresses Importance of IDF’s Unity and Strength
The Chief of Staff, R.L Hertzi Halevi, delivered a scathing attack on the “protest of the reservists” during a session at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee. He argued that those calling for non-reporting were not only harming the IDF but also jeopardizing the security of the country. “At this time, our main goal is to succeed in properly combining competence and cohesion, certainly in the IDF which is the bubble of Israeli society,” he declared.
Halevi’s comments came in response to a growing protest movement among reservists, who have called for non-compliance in light of legal reform legislation. The Chief of Staff emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and alert, strengthening deterrence, and maintaining a good reality for the citizens and the entire State of Israel.
In response to Halevi’s remarks, the Brotherhood of Arms Reserves, who organized the protest, criticized the Chief of Staff’s words, stating, “The Chief of Staff is firing his weapon in the wrong direction.” They argued that the real responsibility for endangering Israel’s security lies with the government and the Knesset, who are tearing the people apart and disbanding the army.
As tensions rise and the protest gains momentum, the IDF is on high alert. Senior officials within the army have been engaged in regular situation assessments at the general headquarters to closely monitor the situation. Thus far, there haven’t been any competency issues within the reserve system. However, the army anticipates a significant increase in the number of reservists who may announce the end of their volunteering as a form of protest against the legal reform legislation.
Instructions given to army commanders remain unchanged, with disciplinary action only taken against reservists who fail to show up after being interviewed or submitting a termination notice. According to the IDF, the number of non-reporters is currently minimal, but exact data remains uncertain.
Today is considered a significant day as it may shape the trends for the continuation of the expected legislation of the Probable Cause Law next week. The army is particularly concerned about the number of pilots and aircrew members who may announce a flight stoppage in support of the protest.
The IDF’s readiness is of utmost importance in maintaining the country’s security and preparing for any security challenges. The Chief of Staff’s strong words demonstrate the seriousness with which the army views the reservists’ protest and their determination to maintain unity and strength within the military.