Thousands of Israeli military veterans have joined the protest movement against the government's judicial overhaul plan, bringing their unique skills and experience to the forefront of the demonstrations.
Led by groups such as "Brother and Sisters in Arms," these veterans are fighting for justice and liberty, using their military training to organize and mobilize protests. Many have taken to carrying flags that represent their organizations, with a focus on rebranding themselves as defenders of democracy rather than just adherents to the state's flag.
According to Yiftach Golov, one such veteran, "We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness to defend Israel." Golov served in elite forces during the second intifada and has since transitioned to a career in biophysics. However, he has returned to his military roots to fight for what he sees as a threat to Israeli democracy.
These veterans are not only participating in protests but also taking a stand against the government's plans by threatening not to train or serve if they do not see change. Some have even taken steps to refuse service, citing the need to protect Israel's security and democratic values.
The pressure from these veteran groups has been seen as crucial in moving the needle on the issue, and last week's mass protests saw hundreds of thousands taking to the streets. The demonstrations were sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing a delay in votes on the legislation due to "the present security situation."
However, many protesters are skeptical of this delay, viewing it as a mere stalling tactic from Netanyahu rather than genuine commitment to reform. For Golov and his fellow veterans, the issue is not about politics but about protecting Israel's democratic values.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said, emphasizing their determination to see change.
As protests continue in Tel Aviv and other cities across Israel, these veteran groups remain at the forefront of the movement, using their military experience to push for justice and democracy.
Led by groups such as "Brother and Sisters in Arms," these veterans are fighting for justice and liberty, using their military training to organize and mobilize protests. Many have taken to carrying flags that represent their organizations, with a focus on rebranding themselves as defenders of democracy rather than just adherents to the state's flag.
According to Yiftach Golov, one such veteran, "We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness to defend Israel." Golov served in elite forces during the second intifada and has since transitioned to a career in biophysics. However, he has returned to his military roots to fight for what he sees as a threat to Israeli democracy.
These veterans are not only participating in protests but also taking a stand against the government's plans by threatening not to train or serve if they do not see change. Some have even taken steps to refuse service, citing the need to protect Israel's security and democratic values.
The pressure from these veteran groups has been seen as crucial in moving the needle on the issue, and last week's mass protests saw hundreds of thousands taking to the streets. The demonstrations were sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing a delay in votes on the legislation due to "the present security situation."
However, many protesters are skeptical of this delay, viewing it as a mere stalling tactic from Netanyahu rather than genuine commitment to reform. For Golov and his fellow veterans, the issue is not about politics but about protecting Israel's democratic values.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said, emphasizing their determination to see change.
As protests continue in Tel Aviv and other cities across Israel, these veteran groups remain at the forefront of the movement, using their military experience to push for justice and democracy.