Israeli army nears critical line as war readiness dealt mighty blows
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Israeli media say the Israeli army is unable to deny official leaks that due to the reservists' boycott, war readiness will be severely impacted within a few months.
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An Israeli air force F-15 fighter takes off during an air defense exercise on October 24, 2021 (AFP)
The Israeli occupation army is not admitting it publicly, but it is just under a month away from crossing a critical point impacting its readiness for war amid the growing number of reservists boycotting their service, especially in the Air Force division, in protest of the judicial reforms, Israeli media said on Friday.
The situation is getting more severe, Air Force Commandor Tomer Bar said, according to the media.
For the first time on Thursday, the Israeli military publicly admitted that its war readiness has been severely impacted due to reservists in the Air Force refusing to serve, but it did not specify a deadline before things turn south.
Although the army is not acknowledging the warning leaks, it cannot dismiss this scenario regardless of when it will happen as per their assessment, whether in September or the next few months.
Read more: Israeli reservists' resignation prompts controversy, condemnation
On Friday, Israeli media cited a senior Israeli occupation security official as warning that in a month, "Israel will have issues with the army's readiness for war."
The source also noted, "We will especially face problems in the air force," saying that "the main effort is to do everything we can to prevent loss of efficiency."
the air force chief was quoted as saying that even remarks and statements on not showing up [for service] damage the Israeli forces.
Read more: Israeli Air Force unreliable in wars if more pilots refuse service
Air Force takes hits
August is usually a slow month for the air force, where drills become limited as reservists go on vacation. But the military fears what would the force's status be when exercises recommence in September.
"We have large security-related responsibilities on our shoulders, I expect all of you to attend [the drills] and put aside any difficulties you may have," Bar told around 60 reservists serving in the Air Force.
It is noticeable through its tone that the army is concerned about the current status of the air force, even if it does not recognize reports of leaks reported on Friday about how near the red line is for the military to lose readiness.
Damage could be done across many functions of the air force. While the capability to direct powerful strikes remains intact, as per Israeli media claims, the air force training academy is taking severe blows.
Military intelligence is also taking heavy hits, which will affect the army's war plans and overall policy, which are formulated based on sensitive information gathered by the spy unit.
However, protest organizers rejected Bar's comments, saying the judicial overhaul is the reason behind the army's deteriorating situation.
"The judicial coup is destroying Israel internally and emboldening external threats," they said.
As more reservists are ditching their duty, Israeli military officials are placing major efforts to bring in new recruits.
Demonstrators accused the Israeli government of ruining "Israel", which has become a center for protests against the Netanyahu government since the judicial overhaul plan was first announced in January.
It is noteworthy that the proposed overhaul drew criticism from allies of the occupation, including the United States, as President Joe Biden has repeatedly expressed his concerns and has called on the occupation officials not to hurry with the "divisive" plans.
