IAF chief meets reservists over letter calling to end Gaza service
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The letter warns that "renewed fighting does not contribute to any of the declared goals" and will lead to the killing of the captives, Israeli soldiers, and civilians and "wear down the reservists.”
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, attends a graduation ceremony for new pilots with Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, left, and "Israel's" then-Security Minister Yoav Gallant, in Hatzerim air force base near the southern occupied city of Beer al-Sabe', on Thursday, June 29, 2023. (AP)
Israeli Air Force (IAF) chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar met with several reservists and veterans, including former IAF commanders, regarding their plans to issue a public letter calling for a halt to service, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.
The letter, drafted by the reservists and veterans, criticizes the Israeli military's resumption of the war on Gaza, which they believe is politically motivated.
In mid-March, the Israeli occupation military resumed its bombing campaign against the Palestinian enclave, breaching a two-month ceasefire agreement that brought relative calm and had ensured a prisoner exchange between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance.
The letter also addressed the government's push for judicial reforms, the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and efforts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, reports indicated.
The Israeli military's Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, reportedly attended one of the meetings with Bar.
Although the letter has not yet been published and the Israeli military has not commented, "Israel's" Channel 12 noted that hundreds of air force reservists have signed it, with plans to release it on the day of a Supreme Court hearing concerning Bar's dismissal.
IOF vow strong action against any resurgence of reservists refusing to serve
The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli military stated that it will take strong action against any resurgence of reservists refusing to serve.
The Israeli military "maintains a clear and crisp policy regarding non-reporting for reserve service,” the news website quoted a military official as saying.
The official confirmed that Bar met with former senior officers planning to sign the letter, emphasizing the security implications of their actions.
It was also acknowledged that Zamir briefly participated in one of these meetings.
A draft of the letter, which was not published, calls for a deal to free the captives in Gaza, even if it means ending the war on the Palestinian territory. It argues that the renewed fighting is "serving personal and not security interests.”
The letter also warns that "renewed fighting does not contribute to any of the declared goals" and will lead to the killing of the captives, Israeli soldiers, and civilians and "wear down the reservists.”
On Tuesday, the court issued an interim injunction requiring Bar to remain in his position until further notice while the Israeli government and the attorney general’s office attempt to resolve the ongoing legal dispute regarding his dismissal.
It proposed that the government and the attorney general reach an agreement on the matter, setting a deadline for April 20, the day following the Jewish Passover holiday.
The court also instructed the government not to take any action to remove Bar from office while the injunction is in effect. This includes refraining from declaring a replacement or altering the authority or working relationship between the Shin Bet and the government.
During the Israeli government’s initial effort to push through the judicial overhaul, which was suspended on October 7, 2023, hundreds of reservists, including dozens of pilots, refused to serve in protest.
They argued that the reforms undermined "Israel's" democracy and cast doubt on the legitimacy of military orders.
In late March, "Israel's" parliament passed a controversial law that grants elected officials increased authority in the judicial appointment process.
The vote reflects Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's firm commitment to advancing his contentious judicial reform plan, which ignited one of the largest protest movements in Israeli history in 2023 before being overshadowed by the war on Gaza.
This vote comes amid an ongoing standoff between the government and the Supreme Court, as the government initiates proceedings to dismiss Attorney General Baharav-Miara.
Opposition parties strongly oppose these government actions and the judicial reform plan, viewing them as evidence of Netanyahu’s shift toward authoritarianism.
Yair Lapid, leader of the center-right Yesh Atid party, announced that he had filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against the law on behalf of several opposition parties.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who sponsored the bill, stated that the law aimed to "restore balance" between the legislative and judicial branches.
Currently, judges—including Supreme Court justices—are selected by a nine-member committee, which includes judges, lawmakers, and bar association representatives, under the supervision of the justice minister.
