ISRAEL: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lowered his criticism of Israeli military reservists who oppose his proposed judicial overhaul plan. Protest organizers claim that many reservists, including pilots and navigators, skipped duty, potentially limiting their combat eligibility due to their lack of weekly refresher flights.
Netanyahu criticized “insubordination” in a cabinet recording leaked to a TV station on July 12, threatening military capabilities. Demonstrators argue that many reservists are volunteers and their absences are a last-ditch effort to safeguard Israeli democracy.
Netanyahu rejected the concept of conditional reserve duty during crisis meetings with top brass. However, reserve demonstrators known as “Brothers in Arms” denounced the action and charged Netanyahu with downplaying concerns about military readiness.
Next month is set for a historic showdown between the executive and parliamentary branches, which might exacerbate the reform commotion’s entrance into what Israelis perceive to be an apolitical mixing pot known as the armed forces.
On September 12, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in opposition to a law that limits part of its ability to overturn executive orders and was approved by a legislature dominated by Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist alliance.
By arguing that the military has too much power in a democracy and that the court is interfering, Netanyahu has avoided a legal decision.
Amos Gilad, a retired Israeli military intelligence general, compared the conversation to “dancing on the deck of the Titanic,” alluding to the view of the country as being open to foes. The departure of seasoned instructors from the flight school of the Air Force has been cited by the military as proof of the protest’s “limited” effect.
An effect of demonstrations on military operations is possible, given that more than half of bomber crews in Syria and other nations are made up of reserve personnel.
National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi emphasized that Israel’s military readiness is not to be heard by adversaries, as the IDF is currently capable of carrying out missions and aims to put this issue behind them.
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