Revolt in Israeli army! Soldiers openly protested against Gaza war, IDF dismissed 1000 soldiers

Israel on Thursday dismissed more than 1,000 active reserve personnel who advocated an agreement with Hamas to end the Gaza war and release Israeli hostages. These reservists had published a public letter demanding an agreement with Hamas in the Gaza war. This letter, signed by about 1,000 active reserve personnel and prominent former military officials, was published in major Israeli newspapers on April 10. This letter is being seen as a growing discontent in Israel due to the Gaza war.

What did the soldiers write in the letter

This letter said that the Gaza war is no longer protecting Israel’s security interests, but only protecting the political and personal agenda of politicians. The signatories include pilots, aircrew and former senior officials such as former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz and Major General Nimrod Shefer, who pointed out that continuing the conflict endangered the well-being of hostages, soldiers and civilians, while it failed to advance military goals.

Attempts to put pressure on the Netanyahu government

He urged the government to prioritize negotiations with Hamas and highlighted the dire situation of the hostages. It is feared that only 24 of the 59 Israeli hostages left in Hamas captivity are still alive. Due to this, the families of the hostages in Israel are constantly protesting against the government. However, the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government is not ready to bow down on the issue of the Gaza war and the agreement with Hamas.

Israeli army sacks 1000 soldiers

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reacted strongly to this letter of the soldiers. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar ordered the dismissal of all active reservists who signed the letter, stating that it is unacceptable for serving personnel to publicly question the army’s mission. The army clarified that only 60 of the signatories were active reservists, some of whom were pilots and most were serving in headquarters roles. The remaining 900 were retired or unknown to the military. About 40 reservists withdrew their signatures after discussions with the IDF before the letter’s publication.

Why Israeli soldiers are protesting

This latest action follows the dismissal of reservist sailor Alan Gur, who was permanently dismissed after posting on social media that Israel was abandoning its citizens and prioritizing political interests. Gur’s statement came on the day Israel abandoned a ceasefire deal with Hamas early last month. The renewed military operation has sparked public protests and confusion among reservists, who are facing personal and financial strain from being repeatedly called up.