Thousands of Israeli reservists to stop volunteering in protest against judicial reform

July 22 (EUROPA PRESS) –

More than 1,100 Israeli Air Force reservists, including more than 400 pilots, have issued a letter on Friday announcing that they will suspend their volunteer reserve service in protest of government plans to reform the judicial system promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right associates in the government, whose critics denounce as an attack on the separation of powers by granting unusual powers to the Executive over the courts.

The reservists have called on the government to “reach comprehensive agreements” regarding judicial reform and “strengthen confidence in the judicial system by all sectors of society and preserve its independence,” as reported by the newspaper ‘The Times of Israel’.

“Legislation affecting the Jewish or democratic character of the State of Israel must be carried out through negotiations and broad public agreement,” said the 1,142 reservists who have signed the letter.

“Legislation that allows the government to act in an extremely unreasonable manner will harm the security of the State of Israel, cause a loss of trust and a violation of our consent to continue risking our lives, and will lead, with deep regret and no choice, to suspend our voluntary reserve service,” they added.

Many reservists have been warning in recent months that “they will not be able to serve in an undemocratic Israel,” which, according to some, “the country will become if the government’s reform plans are carried out.”

The letter has been signed by 235 fighter pilots, 98 transport pilots, 89 helicopter pilots, 173 drone operators, 124 air traffic control officers, 167 IAF headquarters staff, 91 training personnel, 80 members of the elite search and rescue Unit 669 and 85 members of the Shaldag commando unit.

Most Israelis who complete their mandatory military national service are required to attend annual reserve service, but those who have served in special units, including pilots, are expected to volunteer to continue performing the same duties while in the reserves, a commitment they usually undertake themselves. Due to the nature of their positions, special forces troops and reserve pilots report more frequently for training and missions.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced that he is working “in every way” to promote a “broad consensus” on the Draft Reasonableness Rule, which would limit the use of the judicial doctrine of reasonableness.