Israeli Soldiers Refuse to Serve; “I Am Ready to Go to Prison, but I Will Not Participate in the Gaza War”
Bayan News – International media outlets have reported that several Israeli soldiers have sent a letter to the country’s prime minister, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages.
Michael Ofer, one of 65 former Israeli soldiers who participated in the Gaza war last year, expressed doubts in his letter about Israel’s objectives in the conflict. Despite the risk of imprisonment, he stated that he is not willing to take part in this war again.
The 29-year-old Israeli soldier told CBC News:
“As a leftist, I don’t believe that a military solution will resolve anything in the long term.”
According to the report, the Israeli army summoned Michael Ofer back to service in June, but he has so far refused to rejoin the military, which is currently engaged in two conflicts, in Gaza and Lebanon.
The reports highlight that, given the mandatory nature of military service in Israel, refusal to serve carries the risk of imprisonment.
This 29-year-old soldier, who was called up as a reservist a week after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 last year, expressed concern about whether the Israel Defense Forces are fulfilling their mission.
Michael Ofer Ziv, along with over 160 other Israeli soldiers, signed an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that they would not return to service unless an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is agreed upon and Israeli hostages are released.
In Israel, citizens are required to perform military service starting at the age of 18. Men must serve for at least 32 months, while women must serve for a minimum of 24 months. Refusal to serve for ethical or political reasons can result in imprisonment.
