Israeli Reserve Soldiers Refuse Return to Gaza, Even If They Are Subjected To Punishment

Mahadi Tukur Almizan June 25, 2024




By - Mahadi Tukur Almizan

Dozens of Israeli reserve soldiers have publicly declared their refusal to return to Gaza, citing concerns over civilian casualties and the effectiveness of military actions in achieving their objectives. According to a report by Haaretz newspaper on June 25, 42 reservists, including members from various units such as the Intelligence Corps, Home Front Command, infantry, combat engineering, armor, and elite commandos, have signed a letter vowing not to participate in future military operations in Gaza if called upon.

The protest letter, signed by 39 individuals under initials and 10 with their full names, emphasizes their belief that continued military actions alone will not secure the return of abducted Israelis. They criticize recent operations in Rafah for endangering both their lives and innocent civilians without achieving tangible results in recovering abducted individuals.


The signatories argue for prioritizing humanitarian considerations over military strategies, expressing a moral objection to actions that could harm civilians or jeopardize ceasefire negotiations. Yuval Green, a 26-year-old student and reserve paratrooper medic, highlighted a specific incident where his unit was ordered to destroy a Palestinian home without apparent justification, leading him to question the ethical implications of his service.


Another reservist, Michael Ofer Ziv, serving as an operations officer, shared his distress at witnessing airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties, describing a disconnect between the initial reactions of military personnel and the sobering realities of the aftermath. One reservist, identified only as A., who was involved in targeting operations, expressed disillusionment with the strategic direction of military operations, noting a lack of clear objectives beyond targeted killings that often resulted in civilian deaths deemed collateral damage.


The signatories' stance has been described as unusual among their fellow reservists, highlighting a growing dissent within the Israeli military regarding the conduct and outcomes of military operations in Gaza. They face potential consequences for their refusal to serve, including social stigma and legal repercussions, but remain steadfast in their belief that refusing to participate is necessary to uphold their moral convictions and humanitarian principles.


Mahadi Tukur Almizan

Posted by Mahadi Tukur Almizan

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