Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is racing against time to achieve broad consensus on the judicial reform plan before the anticipated vote in the Knesset to repeal the “reasonability clause” on Monday, in an effort to avoid further divisions within Israel and the military.
Gallant described the situation in Israel as extremely concerning after hundreds of air force pilots and crew members announced their refusal to continue their service in the military in protest against the proposed judicial reforms.
Channel 12, an Israeli news outlet, quoted him as expressing support for delaying the legislation.
In a statement released by Gallant’s office, he emphasized that he is working tirelessly to achieve broad consensus, with the aim of safeguarding Israel’s security and keeping the military away from political disputes.
Gallant’s actions followed the signing of additional reservists in the Israeli Air Force who declared their refusal to continue volunteering for military service.
On Friday, over 1,100 reserve soldiers in the Israeli Air Force, including hundreds of pilots, sent a message announcing the suspension of their voluntary reserve service in protest against the government’s plans to reform the judicial system.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the Israeli military, which is already struggling to stem the increasing flow of reservists declaring their refusal to continue voluntary service.
Defense officials have raised concerns that this growing phenomenon could impact the readiness of the army.
At least 1,142 air force reservists declared their intention to suspend volunteer service if parliament passes the bill next week.
“We all share a responsibility to stop the deep division, polarization and rift among the people,” the reservists said in a declaration whose signatories included 235 fighter pilots, 173 drone operators, and 85 commando soldiers.
They called on the government to “arrive at a broad consensus, strengthen the trust of all parts of the people in the judicial system and maintain its independence.”
Any legislation carried out in an “unreasonable manner would erode my agreement to keep risking my life and would force me, with great sorrow, to suspend my voluntary reserve service,” the signatories said.
