Thwarting this effort, thousands of Israeli reservists have declared their refusal to serve in the new war on Gaza. They are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to double down on diplomacy first, military action last to free hostages being held by Hamas. Dissent, yes DISSENT is spreading among the military ranks. This marks a major change in mood as the war enters its 18th month.
The reservists have signed letters calling for an end to hostilities, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize negotiations for the remaining 59 hostages. One of the earliest and most prominent supporters to cross over to this side has been Danny Yatom, a former head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Yatom expressed grave concern over the country’s trajectory, stating, “We came to the conclusion that Israel is going to a very bad place.”
In early April, a coalition of 1,000 air force reservists and retirees launched the first letter. Since then, similar appeals to enlist have skyrocketed across all branches of the military – including elite fighting and intelligence units. One very influential letter has already over the weekend collected over 12,000 signatories. This flood of support highlights the increasing frustration coming from Israel’s military veterans.
In recently recorded interviews, Yatom helped unravel the motives behind these letters. He indicated that the overall military campaign was failing to accomplish what was supposed to be accomplished. “We understand that what mainly bothers Netanyahu is his own interests,” he stated. “In the list of priorities, his interests and the interests of having the government stable are the first ones, and not the hostages.”
The reservists’ action and the correspondences have not gone unacknowledged by Netanyahu, who has recently issued outrageous statements condemning the reservists for engaging in “propaganda lies.” He has repeatedly claimed that military pressure is the only way to secure the hostages’ release. Recent public opinion polls show a dramatic turnaround among Israelis. Overwhelmingly, constituencies and citizens alike have joined the calls for a ceasefire, as well as calls for the international community to return to hostage negotiations.
Reports show a concerning trend decline in reserve attendance, with participation sinking to as low as 50-60%. Yoav, an infantry reservist who fought in last summer’s war in Gaza, explained the shift that has made him walk away from military duty. “I signed my name and I am participating in the demonstrations not because of any political reason, but because of a national reason,” he said. He added, “I had the feeling that I needed to go to help my brothers and sisters,” but now questions the purpose of continued military action.
In one of the letters published by air force reservists, they stated, “The continuation of the war does not contribute to any of its declared goals,” further asserting that every passing day risks the lives of hostages. “Every moment of hesitation is a crying shame,” they concluded.
That dissent has attracted support from retired military leaders. Amiram Levin, a former general, remarked on the potential consequences of continuing the conflict: “The risk of being dragged into war crimes and suffering a fatal blow to the Israel Defense Forces and our social ethos” must be taken seriously. Levin’s point, then, is that it’s time for soldiers—to say nothing of senior commanders—to question orders.
Initially, a vigorous military response was focused on the goal of defeating Hamas and recovering hostages. It seems that Israelis are growing wary enough of this approach. Polls indicate considerable public support for a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiation strategy. In part as a result of this, Netanyahu’s government is coming under growing pressure from reservists and the public.
Israeli reservists are still in the streets, clamoring for reform. At the same time, the war in Gaza has deepened fracture lines in public opinion and is challenging the country’s national unity. The voices of those who have served in combat reflect a reevaluation of what it means to protect their country and its values.
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