Israel's Elite Military Veterans Join Protest Movement, Vowing to Keep Demonstrating
In the midst of Israel's largest general strike in history and sustained protests against the government's judicial overhaul plan, a unique group has emerged as a crucial force behind the demonstrations: elite military veterans. These individuals, who have seen action in various conflicts, have now taken up arms – or rather, megaphones and picket signs – to defend Israel's democracy.
Among them is Yiftach Golov, a veteran from a special forces reconnaissance unit who served during the second intifada in the early 2000s. Golov, who now holds a PhD in biophysics, was initially not particularly political but became increasingly vocal after attending a protest rally in January. Since then, he has become one of thousands of military veterans and reservists who have joined the cause.
Golov and his fellow group members, known as "Brother and Sisters in Arms," are part of an organization that uses skills learned in the military to organize protests. They use tactics like coordinated drumming and organized chants to mobilize crowds. The group's motivation stems from a deep sense of duty and responsibility, echoing the values of American patriotism.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story," Golov said, emphasizing that they are reclaiming their flag, which has been lacking democratic principles for several decades. Fellow members of the group echo this sentiment, highlighting the need to safeguard Israel's democracy at all costs.
Veterans like Golov have taken a more active role in leading protests and organizing demonstrations. Many have even threatened not to train or serve if the government pushes through with its judicial overhaul plans, which would give governing parties more control over Israel's judiciary.
The pressure from military veterans has undoubtedly been a key factor in moving the needle on this issue. Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, citing "the present security situation" as the reason for the delay. However, many protesters remain skeptical of this move, viewing it as a stalling tactic.
While Netanyahu insists that the overhaul is necessary and has criticized those who refuse to train or serve in protest, Golov and his fellow veterans are resolute: they will not back down until Israel's democracy is secure. For them, this means waiting for 100% confirmation that Israel will remain a functional democratic country before deactivating their protests.
As the demonstrations continue, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu's pause will hold or if protesters will eventually see progress on their demands. One thing is certain: elite military veterans are now at the forefront of this fight, using their skills and experience to defend Israel's democracy against all odds.
In the midst of Israel's largest general strike in history and sustained protests against the government's judicial overhaul plan, a unique group has emerged as a crucial force behind the demonstrations: elite military veterans. These individuals, who have seen action in various conflicts, have now taken up arms – or rather, megaphones and picket signs – to defend Israel's democracy.
Among them is Yiftach Golov, a veteran from a special forces reconnaissance unit who served during the second intifada in the early 2000s. Golov, who now holds a PhD in biophysics, was initially not particularly political but became increasingly vocal after attending a protest rally in January. Since then, he has become one of thousands of military veterans and reservists who have joined the cause.
Golov and his fellow group members, known as "Brother and Sisters in Arms," are part of an organization that uses skills learned in the military to organize protests. They use tactics like coordinated drumming and organized chants to mobilize crowds. The group's motivation stems from a deep sense of duty and responsibility, echoing the values of American patriotism.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story," Golov said, emphasizing that they are reclaiming their flag, which has been lacking democratic principles for several decades. Fellow members of the group echo this sentiment, highlighting the need to safeguard Israel's democracy at all costs.
Veterans like Golov have taken a more active role in leading protests and organizing demonstrations. Many have even threatened not to train or serve if the government pushes through with its judicial overhaul plans, which would give governing parties more control over Israel's judiciary.
The pressure from military veterans has undoubtedly been a key factor in moving the needle on this issue. Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, citing "the present security situation" as the reason for the delay. However, many protesters remain skeptical of this move, viewing it as a stalling tactic.
While Netanyahu insists that the overhaul is necessary and has criticized those who refuse to train or serve in protest, Golov and his fellow veterans are resolute: they will not back down until Israel's democracy is secure. For them, this means waiting for 100% confirmation that Israel will remain a functional democratic country before deactivating their protests.
As the demonstrations continue, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu's pause will hold or if protesters will eventually see progress on their demands. One thing is certain: elite military veterans are now at the forefront of this fight, using their skills and experience to defend Israel's democracy against all odds.
. I mean, who would've thought that people who've been in some of the toughest battles imaginable would be leading the charge for democracy? It's wild to think about how they're using their skills to organize protests and mobilize crowds.
. I mean, come on, dude, you can't just wait for "the present security situation" to change before making decisions that affect the country as a whole. The protesters are right to be skeptical.
. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've been in some tough spots, but this is different. We need to protect our country's values." I'm low-key inspired by their dedication 
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. Will these protests keep pushing him to do better? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – these military vets are making a difference 
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This is kinda cool that these veteran guys are getting involved in the protests. I mean, they've seen some crazy stuff on the battlefield, so it's no surprise they're willing to take a stand for what they believe in. Their message about fighting for justice and liberty resonates with me too - we gotta protect our rights as citizens, you know? 
. Like, aren't they worried about being seen as hypocritical or something? And what's with all the talk of "safeguarding democracy" - is that really just code for "we want our voices heard"? 
its not just about them though, its about the system they're fighting for, and how it affects regular people like us too 
. It's crazy to think that they've gone from being part of the establishment to being part of the movement demanding change 
. I'm curious to see how Netanyahu's pause pans out – will it be enough to satisfy the protesters or just stall things further 
they're trying to force their own version of justice but I'm not sure if it's gonna work out 
And how do you think his background as a biophysics PhD holder helps him organize protests? Does having expertise in a different field give him an edge in strategizing? 
I also find it interesting that these military veterans see themselves as part of the American story, and that they're reclaiming their flag. What does that say about how they perceive Israel's democracy and where they think things went wrong? 
. It just goes to show that even those who have fought on the front lines can become powerful voices for change when they use their skills to organize and mobilize communities 
The fact that they're using coordinated drumming and chants to get people on the streets is genius! And let's be real, it's not just about them – it's about the thousands of other veterans who are putting everything on the line for this cause 
. I'm rooting for Golov and his crew all the way 
. This is what democracy looks like in action, folks 
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. But will it be enough? Only time will tell if protesters will eventually see progress on their demands 
. I'm rooting for them, and I hope their efforts will make a real difference 
that's like, totally real talk. & can we pls just say that these protests have been going on for ages now & it's so cool to see them pick up steam! like literally thousands of vets joining the cause? 
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. They're really making a statement about not wanting this judicial overhaul to happen 
These military vets are FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY!!! I mean can you believe it?! The thought that these guys who have risked everything for our country, who have seen the worst of humanity and have come out on top, are now standing up for the values they fought for in the first place is JUST... WOW 
This is about time someone stood up to these elites who think they're above the law. The fact that they're using their military experience to organize protests is just genius 
. Their tactics are so clever, using coordinated drumming and chants to mobilize crowds. And it's not just about the protests themselves, but also about holding the gov accountable for its actions 
. What happens when the gov tries to crack down on these protesters? Will they get arrested or worse? 
It's a high-stakes game, and I hope the protests stay peaceful 
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and I'm curious how these veterans became involved in the protests like did they have a personal experience with the government's decisions?