In Protest Against Judicial Amendments, Over 1,100 Israeli Air Force Pilots and Employees Terminate Reserve Service

Consensus Efforts

Vote next Monday

In protest against the judicial amendments, 1,142 Israeli Air Force pilots and employees announced the termination of their reserve service, the Israel Broadcasting Authority announced today, Friday.

In a letter they published, the reservists called for a suspension of the bill, writing: “to reach broad agreements, strengthen the confidence of all segments of the population in the judiciary and preserve its independence.”

They also added, “The legislation will result in a loss of confidence and a violation of my consent to continue putting my life at risk.”

Consensus Efforts

Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday, Thursday, that efforts are underway to reach consensus on a judicial amendment bill expected to be approved by the Israeli parliament next week, prompting protests and anger at home and abroad.

“Even at this moment, efforts are being made to reach a consensus,” Netanyahu told reporters, adding: “I very much hope that these efforts will succeed, but even if they fail, the door of the (ruling) coalition will always remain open” to the opposition, Reuters reported.

He also added that Israel “will remain democratic,” stressing that statements by hundreds of reservists that they would refuse to accept the subpoena if the bill was passed would harm the country.

He further went on to say, “Democracy will be jeopardized by refusing to serve in the military… We cannot and will not tolerate this,” emphasizing that “Israel will protect the individual rights of every person, but when I say every person, these rights must be equal for all.”

Vote next Monday

On Wednesday, opposition leader Benny Gantz called for talks led by the Israeli president to reach a compromise.

Notably, the Knesset is expected to vote next Monday on the first part of the amendments, known as the “reasonable arguments law” bill.

If Parliament passes the bill, it will prevent the Supreme Court from overturning government decisions or appointments it considers “unreasonable”.

Supporters of the bill say it will restore balance between the branches of government, while opponents argue that it undermines the vital principle of balance and control between powers.