The Israeli Army (IDF) said it would fire the Air Force reserve who signed a letter condemning the war in Gaza, saying the letter would serve only political interests and would not help bring Hamas’ hostages held to strip homes.
Army officials said in a statement that they called it a violation of trust between the commander and his subordinates.
The IDF said it determined that the active reserve who signed the letter would not be able to continue serving.
It was not specified how many people were included or whether the dismissal had already begun.
Around 1,000 Israeli Air Force reserves and retirees signed letters published in domestic media on Thursday, demanding the immediate return of hostages, even if they end the battle.
The soldiers who signed the letter did not refuse to continue their service, but it was part of a wave of waves of Israeli service personnel speaking out against the 18-month conflict, with some who saw or did what they had crossed the ethical line.
“It was completely illogical and irresponsible on behalf of Israeli policymakers, putting the lives of hostages at risk, putting the lives of more soldiers at risk, and putting the lives of more innocent Palestinians at risk, but there was a very clear alternative.”
Polan added that he is unaware that the person who signed the letter has been fired or not. Since the letter was published, he says it has received dozens more signatures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu downed the letter on Friday, saying it was “written by a small number of weeds run by foreign-funded NGOs whose sole goal is to overthrow the right-wing government.”
Anyone who encourages rejection will be rejected immediately, Netanyahu explained.
IDF soldiers shun politics and rarely make a statement about the military or its operations.
This letter comes as Israel tries to intensify its attack in Gaza and pressure Hamas to agree to release the remaining 59 hostages.
Israel’s blockade of food, fuel and humanitarian aid left civilians on strips facing severe shortages as supply fell.
It pledged to capture much of Palestinian territory and cut across it a new security corridor.
After Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel quickly united behind the war.
However, as the war progresses, divisions grow, and most criticism focuses on the increase in the number of killed soldiers and the failure to return hostages.
Pressure to release hostages
The released hostages and their families are doing what they can to turn their lights into attention and encourage the government to return the remaining prisoners to their homes.
Meanwhile, the war with Hamas shows no signs of cessation.
Since ending the eight-week ceasefire last month, Israel said it will push further into Gaza until Hamas releases hostages.
More than 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire collapsed in March, according to the United Nations.
The IDF issued an emergency warning to residents in several areas of northern Gaza on Friday, calling for immediate evacuation.
The strike earlier this week killed at least 23 people, health officials said, including eight women and eight children.
