Israeli veterans of the armed forces lead demonstrations against the government's proposed judicial reform.
Former soldiers vow to continue demonstrating until democracy is preserved.
Israeli military veterans have established themselves as
the core of the nation's protest movement and have vowed to keep up the
protests until the government drops its plans for a judicial reform that they
claim would threaten Israeli democracy. One of them is Yiftach Golov, the
leader of the "Brother and Sisters in Arms" organization and a former
member of the special forces reconnaissance unit. Golov said he and other
veterans are fighting for justice and liberty, principles that have been absent
in the nation for several decades. He raised a brown flag displaying
the group's insignia at a recent protest in Tel Aviv.
Golov has been participating in demonstrations against the
government's proposed revamp of the judiciary since January, and he has subsequently
joined the hundreds of veterans and reservists who have taken up the cause. In
opposition to the proposed amendments, which would give the ruling parties more
power over Israel's courts, some have even threatened not to enlist or complete
their training. Others, like Golov, have taken the lead in organizing
demonstrations and used their military expertise to energize the people.
"We all have a purpose, and you're prepared to
fulfill it at whatever cost. You have a strong sense of purpose, are on the
good side, and are carrying the torch of light. Even if we haven't slept for
days, that keeps us very motivated, Golov remarked.
After weeks of nonstop demonstrations and the biggest
general strike in Israeli history, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated
last Monday that the legislation will be put on hold to allow for talks with
the opposition. Nonetheless, there are still a lot of demonstrators on the
streets; according to the organizers, a recent rally in Tel Aviv drew 230,000
people.
The government's reaction to the pressure from Israeli
veterans has been conflicting, but it has been believed that their activities
are essential to making progress. Yoav Gallant, the defense minister, was let
go by Netanyahu last week for urging a delay in the legislation's passage.
Gallant cited the unwillingness of certain Israel Defense Forces reserve
members to train in opposition to the government plans as evidence that the
delay was required "for the security of Israel" and cautioned that
moving forward with the measures may endanger Israel's security.
Netanyahu said that he will postpone voting on the
remaining bills until after the Knesset's Passover break in April to
"provide time for a true chance for a serious debate" in response to
domestic and international criticism. Yet he also emphasized that the reform
was required and continued to criticize individuals who decline to enlist or
get training in opposition to the proposed reforms.
Many protestors deny that the delay is genuine and claim
that it is only a stalling technique used by Netanyahu to allow himself some
breathing room before moving forward with the reforms. Israeli soldiers like
Golov assert that they will keep protesting until they are assured that the
nation will continue to be a functioning democracy.
"We won't begin deactivation until we are certain
that Israel State will continue to be a fully operational democratic nation. Do
whatever is required to achieve it," he urged.
Israel's protest movement has been going on for more than
three months and isn't showing any signs of stopping. The protests, which
initially erupted in opposition to proposed changes to the nation's judicial
structure, have expanded into a larger movement calling for increased political
responsibility and an end to corruption.
The demonstrations have been motivated in part by the
participation of veterans of the military. Many of these veterans have
extensive training and skills, as well as knowledge of how to mobilize and
organize large crowds. They have been effectively leading and directing the
protests while utilizing their abilities in the demonstrations.
The participation of the veterans in the demonstrations
has further elevated the movement's legitimacy and credibility. These people
have spent their whole lives serving their nation, and now they are speaking
out against what they see to be a danger to Israeli democracy.
There have been a few violent events despite the protests
being mainly peaceful. In one recent incident, right-wing protestors assaulted
a Palestinian cab driver. The attack survivor driver opened out about it in a
video that has subsequently gone viral.
The Israeli protest movement is still gaining strength
despite the obstacles. This is not just a fleeting fad, as evidenced by the
participation of veterans of the military and the backing of several other
organizations and people. Instead, it is a sincere change-making movement that
aims to hold the Israeli government accountable and keep the nation a
democratic one.
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