A growing number of reservists in the Israeli army, including the air force, which plays a key role in the country’s military operations, declare their opposition to the reforms of the far-right Netanyahu government, which is trying to control the Israeli army. the country’s highest court.
In a statement Sunday, all but three pilots from Israel’s elite 69th Squadron said they would not take part in this week’s exercise but would join mass protests, claiming they did not want to serve a “dictatorial regime.”
Among the proposals put forward by the more radical members of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition are bills that would allow politicians to appoint all Supreme Court judges, as well as a clause that would give a simple parliamentary majority the power to overturn court decisions. The changes are likely to help the prime minister avoid being prosecuted in a corruption trial in which he denies all charges.
Supporters of the amendments say they are needed to remove the “leftist bias” that pervades the court’s decisions, while critics say they will lead to a backsliding on democracy, as happened in Hungary and Turkey.
The planned overhaul has led to the largest protest movement in Israeli history, with hundreds of thousands of people protesting in cities over the past two months. Last week, protests escalated into violence when police fired stun grenades and tear gas.
Sectors not normally involved in political mobilization, such as economists, the growing high-tech sector, and former high-ranking military and intelligence officials, have voiced their opposition to the government’s plans.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the Jewish holiday of Purim on Monday night, Netanyahu, who served as a commando, called the rebels “an existential threat to the country.” Over the weekend, he posted a photo of his military ID on social media with the caption: “When the military calls us, we always show up. We are one nation.”
Reservists are a very important part of the Israeli army, as they are called upon to serve up to 60 days a year in peacetime.
Source: Kathimerini
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