Cracks are emerging in Israel’s military. Reservists threaten not to serve if government plan passes

Tensions are rising within Israel’s military.

The most potent and well-equipped force in the Middle East is grappling with significant internal discord, an assault from within its ranks.

A disputed government proposal to reform the country’s judiciary has caused significant divisions within Israeli society, with these divisions seeping into the military. Certain reservists in key roles have vowed not to fulfill their duties if these legislative modifications are enacted.

Over the past seven months, thousands of reservists have signed letters expressing this sentiment, which, until now, have mainly been threats. However, this week, 161 pivotal air force personnel declared their intention to cease their service, causing concerns about the military’s preparedness amidst escalating violence and tensions across several fronts. On Wednesday, hundreds of reservists from diverse units attended a rally in Tel Aviv, proclaiming they will no longer serve.

WHY ARE RESERVISTS DECLINING TO SERVE?

For the majority of Jewish men in Israel, military service is obligatory. Following their initial three-year tenure, many continue to serve in reserve well into their 40s or even later.

Reservists form a critical part of the military, providing significant reinforcement to the regular army. They operate in a variety of roles and forces, from air, land, and sea to cyber.

The proposed overhaul, announced in January by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, ignited protest movements, led predominantly by reservists, against the planned changes.

The protestors argue that serving a country moving toward autocracy, should the overhaul proceed, goes against their principles. They believe the government is infringing on an implicit social agreement wherein soldiers risk their lives under the assumption that they are defending a democracy.

They are also concerned that any reduction in judicial oversight might expose Israeli forces to potential war crime allegations in international courts. Israel’s defense against such allegations is its independent legal system, capable of scrutinizing any potential malfeasance.

HOW IS THE MILITARY AFFECTED?

The threats of refusal have not yet had an immediate impact on the military’s readiness. However, the announcement from 161 air force personnel regarding an “immediate” cessation of service has stirred a significant reaction.

Israel relies on its air force for operations against targets in Syria and for combating militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, which have become more frequent in recent years. Unmanned aircraft have also been deployed in the West Bank recently. Furthermore, any possible strike on Iran to prevent the development of nuclear weapons would likely involve warplanes.

All these operations necessitate a skilled set of pilots who can be called on short notice for air strikes. When a pilot does not report for training, even for just a couple of weeks, their readiness is compromised. When ground personnel, such as those who signed the recent letter, refuse to serve, it has profound implications for the entire system.

WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO CURB REFUSALS?

Concerns about the impact of service refusals on the military’s preparedness led Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to criticize the overhaul publicly in March. This led to his dismissal by Netanyahu, which in turn sparked spontaneous protests and a labor strike, forcing the Israeli leader to suspend the overhaul and reinstate Gallant.

Currently, Gallant has been silent, and political leaders seem to be adopting a tougher stance.

Netanyahu declared to his Cabinet that refusal to serve jeopardizes the security of all Israeli citizens, promising unspecified action against the protest.

The military’s high command faces a delicate balancing act: empathizing with their troops’ concerns, preserving unity within the military despite the deepening societal split over the overhaul, and ensuring the political dispute does not hinder military performance.

But, as pressure from political ranks mounts, military leaders have become more stern in their stance against those who refuse.

LONG-TERM IMPACT?

If the legislation proceeds, more refusals are anticipated. If these become entrenched, particularly in the air force, the military’s performance will be affected, says Idit Shafran Gittleman, a senior researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies.

The degree of impact will depend on the extent of the refusals and the military’s response.

In the short term, if pilots fail to show for training or service, operations on Syria might be delayed. In case air force ground personnel refuse, operations may need to be restructured, warns Shafran Gittleman.

The military will also need to carefully evaluate whether punitive action against pilots is the appropriate step, considering the time and cost to train replacements.

Most importantly, the ethnic, economic, and religious divides fostered by the overhaul in civilian life are also affecting the military, challenging unity within an institution that often acts as a unifying force in the face of multiple external threats.

Shafran Gittleman warns, “This creates a vibe of tensions between crews that are supposed to work together. It’s a disaster for the military.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel’s Military Internal Discord

More about Israel’s Military Internal Discord

• Israel Defense Forces
• The Judicial System in Israel
• Israel’s Military Law
• Israeli Society and its Military
• Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies