Rising Dissent in Israel: Former Soldiers Demand Change Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
For four weeks, the Israeli army has been engaged in a fierce conflict in Gaza, designating significant portions of the coastal strip as restricted areas and evacuation zones for civilians. United Nations reports indicate that Israel has declared around 70 percent of Gaza as zones that Palestinians must leave, putting those who remain in grave danger. The ongoing conflict, which escalated following a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in extensive destruction and massive loss of life, with Palestinian reports claiming over 50,000 deaths.
Elran Duvdevani, a former reservist in the Israeli Air Force, highlights the prominent role of aerial combat in the conflict. He served in various capacities until the age of 60 and now, at 65, he finds himself protesting against the continued fighting in Gaza, a stance that is becoming increasingly popular among veterans.
The once strong response of reservists has begun to wane dramatically, with many refusing or failing to show up for military service. Recently, over 900 retired soldiers from the Israeli Air Force published a protest letter calling for the immediate return of hostages, even if it necessitates halting military operations. Reports suggest that among the 59 Israelis still held captive in Gaza, only about 20 are reported to still be alive. Adding to the urgency, Hamas recently reported losing contact with the extremists who were holding Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli citizen, following an Israeli assault.
Many citizens in Israel now perceive that the ongoing conflict is endangering hostages rather than ensuring their safety. The protest letter signed by Duvdevani and many others argues that the conflict is now being driven by political agendas rather than actual security concerns. This perspective is corroborated by reports that a growing number of reservists, who initially volunteered to serve after the attack on October 7, are now choosing not to participate.
In a broader display of dissent, hundreds of former soldiers, including members of reconnaissance units, have joined the protests initiated by retired Air Force personnel, voicing their concern over the declining number of reservists and the rising noncompliance with reserve duties. The letter they published criticizes the government’s handling of the crisis that unfolded on October 7, stating there is no acknowledgment that effective military solutions are lacking.
Families of hostages have taken to the streets, seeking an end to the conflict, and the movement has gathered support from cultural figures. Reports indicate that approximately 350 Israeli authors, alongside around 600 architects, engineers, and urban planners have joined the call for peace.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to the protests has been dismissive, labeling the demonstrators as a 'small, loud, anarchistic and disjointed group of retirees,' many of whom he claims have not served in years. Nonetheless, a serious question regarding military manpower amid the ongoing conflict has been raised by the newly appointed army chief, Eyal Zamir. Reports indicate that Zamir warned the government of a serious shortage of combat troops, leading to concerns about the military's ability to execute its tasks effectively. This situation has sparked backlash among reservists currently serving in Gaza, especially as the military service exemption for thousands of Orthodox Jews remains a contentious issue.
Duvdevani emphasizes that this protest initiative embodies a moral dilemma, expressing sympathy for the Palestinian population caught in the crossfire. The Israeli military is actively conducting operations in various regions of Gaza, leaving civilians uncertain about their safety and unable to identify places to escape attacks. Accounts from released hostages suggest they have suffered particularly severe treatment as the army advances, raising fears for their safety. In a conflict officially justified by the goal of rescuing hostages, Duvdevani and a growing number of Israelis are urging the government to prioritize hostage recovery above all and consider a ceasefire to bring an immediate end to the hostilities.
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