Israel has been gripped by protests since the prime minister began a record sixth term back in January. His plans to overhaul the courts have sparked nationwide protests.
Dozens of Israeli air force reservists will refuse to turn up to training exercises in protest over controversial plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to overhaul the country’s legal system.
Nine weeks of nationwide protests have followed the proposals. Which critics say would weaken the Supreme Court and limit justices’ power.
In January, Mr. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, fraud, and breach of trust, was sworn in for his sixth term as Israel’s prime minister, this time as the leader of an ultranationalist far-right coalition.
Since then, public opposition to the plans has grown. But the transfer by 37 pilots and navigators from the air force’s F-15 squadron is a symbolic step.
Israel takes great pride in its military strength, and its forces are intended to be apolitical.
The strikers, however, stated in a letter distributed to local media that they would forgo training on Wednesday and “dedicate our time to dialogue and reflection for the sake of democracy and national unity.”
They said they would suspend the protest if required to carry out actual operations. Reservists are typically only utilized during times of conflict, but they train frequently to ensure readiness.
Minister claims protests are being ‘played up’
An ally of the prime minister attempted to minimize the significance of the reservists’ intervention.
Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich told Channel 12 TV that the media was “playing up” their statement. Insisting that “hundreds of thousands” continue to enlist in the military.
Mr. Netanyahu appeared to address the issue on social media, tweeting a photo of himself at the age of conscription with the caption, “When summoned for reserve duty, we always show up.”
The Premier is a former officer in his country’s most prestigious commando unit.
A senior commander of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that he will not permit the ongoing controversy surrounding the government’s agenda to affect the military’s capabilities.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevy is “aware of the public discourse and division”, said a spokesperson. But will not let it impact the IDF’s “ability to carry out its most essential mission – defend Israel’s security”.
Officers have been ordered to speak with subordinates about the issue, they added.
