The Jerusalem Post April 14, 2025 Zamir's new approach
Only a small number, those who refused to show up for duty, were actually discharged. That approach seems to have changed under new IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir
His decision to discharge some air force reservists who signed an open letter calling for an end to a “political”’ war in Gaza, is giving the message that the IDF, and its reservists, are forbidden from taking any public position on policies set by the lawfully elected government of Israel.
The letter, published in a number of Hebrew language newspapers on Thursday and signed by close to 1,000 retired and current IAF reservists, urges the government to prioritize the release of hostages over the continuation of the war in Gaza, which the signatories argue serves “political and personal interests” rather than national security.
“The continuation of the war doesn’t advance any of the declared goals of the war, and will bring about the deaths of the hostages, of IDF soldiers and innocent civilians,” read the letter.
The letter was signed by, among others, former IDF chief of staff and IAF commander Lieutenant General Dan Halutz, and Nimrod Sheffer, former head of the IDF’s Planning Directorate — both of whom have been regular attendees of anti-government rallies calling for the release of the hostages.
Only about 10% of the signatories of the letter, which IAF chief Major General Tomer Bar reportedly attempted to stop publication of, are active reservists.
The IDF said that it has 1. no issue with reservists protesting any matter in their civilian lives, 2. as long as they do it without tying it in with the military or their role in it.
and current IAF reservists, urges the government to prioritize the release of hostages over the continuation of the war in Gaza, which the signatories argue serves “political and personal interests” rather than national security.
read the letter.
