'Israel' edges towards instability, protesters numbers reach 550k

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Jul 2023 00:22
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Analysts assess that while the IOF airforce has remained capable of conducting airstrike missions against Gaza and Syria, their capacity for holding a prolonged conflict remains questionable.

An Israeli Air Force F-15 takes off during exercises, November 8, 2017 (AFP)

Channel 12 reported that the IOF is faced with a severe challenge in trying to contain the rising numbers of volunteers who are refraining from service.

Yesterday, there were 530 pilots, and today the number is approaching 550, as pilots and essential personnel are expressing their concerns over unresolved issues.

The situation has prompted security sources to urge the government to convene a cabinet meeting to discuss the consequences of the service evading volunteers on Israeli security.

Some have gone so far as to describe the matter as a gamble with Israeli stability. Amid these developments, there are growing demands to hold a committee meeting on foreign affairs and security to assess the implications of the ongoing situation.

A military analyst from Channel 13, Alon Ben David, warned that if 530 pilots and crucial personnel without substitutes carry out their threats, it could lead to a declaration from the Chief of Staff that the Air Force is not adequately prepared for war.

The Air Force has demonstrated its capability for conducting operations in Gaza and Syria, but their capacity to maintain prolonged conflict remains questionable, he argued.

Earlier today Israeli media reported that ministers and Knesset members belonging to Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition rebuked the announcement of more than 1,000 Israeli Air Force reservists and their intention to suspend their volunteering if the judicial overhaul was approved.

In an open letter, Israeli occupation Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on the protesting reservists to revoke their "mistake" that threatens "Israel's" security.

Smotrich said he was opposed to the recent attacks on protesting pilots by advocates of the judicial overhaul.

"But having said that, I think you are making a bitter mistake, and you must recalculate your route," he said in his letter.

On his part, Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir considered that "the purpose of the refuseniks' letter is to hold the Israeli government hostage and impose on it the political position of a minority" that believes "Israel" belongs to them.

"We will not give in to this dangerous attempt to create chaos," Ben-Gvir underlined, stressing that "we will pass the requested amendment of the judicial system beginning with the reasonableness bill, but this is only the beginning!"

In the same context, MK Almog Cohen described the protesting pilots as "despicable refuseniks" who were "strengthening the enemy."

Similarly, Economy Minister Nir Barkat said that "no political debate can justify such an immoral act. It is permissible to protest, it is permissible to disagree politically, but Israel’s security must not be neglected."

Israeli media reported on Friday that the Israeli occupation Air Force is under shock, as 1,142 reservists, including 513 pilots, announced their intention to suspend their volunteering if the judicial overhaul was approved.