Herzog takes double aim at Netanyahu, reservists for damaging security

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
27 Jul 2023 11:10

The Israeli President calls on reservists who ended their service over the judicial overhaul to reconsider their steps that are damaging the entity's security.

Israeli occupation police forces use a water cannon to disperse settlers blocking an entrance to the Knesset in protest to the government passing a bill to introduce limitations on the "reasonableness law" as part of the judicial overhaul in occupied Al-Quds, on July 24, 2023 (AFP)

Israeli occupation President Isaac Herzog urged on Wednesday reservists boycotting their service to reconsider their decision, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "damaging" the entity's security.

Approximately 10,000 IOF reserve soldiers have declared their refusal to voluntarily report for military duty should Netanyahu's government proceed with its widely opposed judicial reform, Israeli media reported last week.

This wave of dissent has raised concerns about the potential impact on the IOF's operational readiness and proficiency.

"I fear for Israel’s security, which has been harmed by the threats of not volunteering or not appearing for service, and more so from the fulfillment of those threats,” the President said.

“As I’ve previously stressed, the greater responsibility — even if not exclusive — for finding solutions that will benefit the country and society as a whole will always lie with whoever holds the reins of power,” Herzog said in a speech, adding that he was "deeply disappointed" that his mediation efforts between the political blocs collapsed.

"I warned of this moment," he said, stressing that h will not "lose hope".

Responding to the President's claims that the entity's security was impacted by reservists refusing to serve, graduates of the elite units accused Herzog of "once again serving a dictatorship," in reference to Netanyahu.

"Israel's security was damaged only by the illegal coup," they said in a statement, confirming that the President "must not count on them" - to go back to duty.

"We will not serve a psychopathic dictatorial government, we counted on you [Herzog] to fight rightly and courageously for democracy, our [trust in you] was in vain."

Earlier this week, the Israeli occupation Knesset passed in a final vote a bill to introduce limitations on the "reasonableness law", which prompts the government to sideline the Supreme Court's power to veto or review decisions made by the ruling echelon.

The legislation, which is a cornerstone of Netanyahu's judicial reform plan, was met with mass outrage across the entity, resulting in violent clashes between protesters opposing the law and police forces.

Over security fears, the Israeli occupation army introduced a new policy requiring permits for reservists that want to access the headquarters of the Ministry of Security, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.

Military sources said the decision aims to prevent reservists meaning "to carry out provocations at the Kirya camp [military compound in "Tel Aviv" which includes the security ministry HQ]."

The amendment included soldiers, senior officers, and personnel serving in sensitive locations.

An e-mail regarding the change was sent to all relevant individuals, but it was met with more fury.

"The Israeli army does not trust those who serve in the reserves," targeted parties said.