A group of Israeli military veterans, many of whom served in elite forces, has taken up the cause of protesting against the government's judicial overhaul plan. Led by groups such as "Brother and Sisters in Arms," they are using their skills learned in the military to organize and mobilize against the proposed changes.
These veterans, who were once sworn to defend Israel, now feel that it is their duty to protect the country's democracy. They argue that the current judicial overhaul plan threatens the very foundations of Israeli society and that it is essential to stop this "madness" before it's too late.
According to Yiftach Golov, a veteran who served in special forces reconnaissance during the second intifada, they believe that this is their responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to defend Israel. They see themselves as fighting on a new battlefield – one where they are not just defending the country, but also its democracy.
Many of these veterans have taken up the cause as their new mission, often to the point of refusing to train or serve in protest of the government's plans. Some have even threatened to leave the military altogether if their demands are not met.
The pressure from Israel's veterans has been seen as a key factor in forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce a pause in the legislation, citing the "present security situation" as a reason for the delay. However, many protesters believe that this is simply a stalling tactic and that the government will ultimately push forward with the reforms.
As one veteran explained, they will only stop protesting when they know 100% that Israel will stay a functional democratic country. The determination of these veterans has brought thousands of people onto the streets for 13 consecutive weeks, with Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv estimated to be around 230,000 strong.
The protest movement is made up of many disparate groups, but the pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been instrumental in forcing Netanyahu to reconsider his plans. As one protester said, "We reclaim our flag" – a symbol that represents the values of justice and liberty that they believe are being threatened by the government's actions.
While some have taken to becoming active organizers and demonstrators, others have simply joined the protests, bringing their skills learned in the military to the cause. These veterans see themselves as part of something bigger than themselves, willing to sacrifice anything necessary to defend the country and its democracy.
The situation remains tense, with Netanyahu insisting that the overhaul is necessary and criticizing those who refuse to train or serve in protest. However, it seems clear that the pressure from Israel's military veterans will continue to be a major factor in shaping the country's future.
These veterans, who were once sworn to defend Israel, now feel that it is their duty to protect the country's democracy. They argue that the current judicial overhaul plan threatens the very foundations of Israeli society and that it is essential to stop this "madness" before it's too late.
According to Yiftach Golov, a veteran who served in special forces reconnaissance during the second intifada, they believe that this is their responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to defend Israel. They see themselves as fighting on a new battlefield – one where they are not just defending the country, but also its democracy.
Many of these veterans have taken up the cause as their new mission, often to the point of refusing to train or serve in protest of the government's plans. Some have even threatened to leave the military altogether if their demands are not met.
The pressure from Israel's veterans has been seen as a key factor in forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce a pause in the legislation, citing the "present security situation" as a reason for the delay. However, many protesters believe that this is simply a stalling tactic and that the government will ultimately push forward with the reforms.
As one veteran explained, they will only stop protesting when they know 100% that Israel will stay a functional democratic country. The determination of these veterans has brought thousands of people onto the streets for 13 consecutive weeks, with Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv estimated to be around 230,000 strong.
The protest movement is made up of many disparate groups, but the pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been instrumental in forcing Netanyahu to reconsider his plans. As one protester said, "We reclaim our flag" – a symbol that represents the values of justice and liberty that they believe are being threatened by the government's actions.
While some have taken to becoming active organizers and demonstrators, others have simply joined the protests, bringing their skills learned in the military to the cause. These veterans see themselves as part of something bigger than themselves, willing to sacrifice anything necessary to defend the country and its democracy.
The situation remains tense, with Netanyahu insisting that the overhaul is necessary and criticizing those who refuse to train or serve in protest. However, it seems clear that the pressure from Israel's military veterans will continue to be a major factor in shaping the country's future.
its like they've finally found a new mission after serving their country, and it's making them do some serious soul-searching about what that even means anymore? the fact that they're willing to put everything on the line to defend democracy is honestly super inspiring 
what's crazy is how their determination has brought so many ppl together - 230k strong on sat is crazy! 
gotta respect their dedication to creating change
This whole thing just got wilder - I mean, what's next? Veterans using their skills to organize a revolution against the government? Like, I get that they're concerned about democracy and all that, but this is some James Bond level stuff right here 
. I'm low-key impressed by these guys for being so vocal and taking action. Netanyahu needs to chill out and listen to what they have to say 
I mean, can't these guys just hang up their uniforms already? They're like the ultimate example of "you can take the boy outta the army, but you can't take the army outta the boy" 
But seriously, it's actually kind of cool to see them using their skills for something other than blowing things up. I mean, who needs a fancy protest when you've got a bunch of ex-soldiers with experience in crowd control and security? 
And I love how they're framing this as a mission – "go once again called to the flag" – it's like they're trying out for a real-life version of Band of Brothers 
. But hey, if it means keeping Netanyahu from messing up Israel's democracy, I'm all for it 
just think about these vets being willing to take on their gov over this... they've been sworn to defend, now they're defending democracy 
it's crazy how some people can turn their skills for good, even if it means going against what they were trained for 
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. It just goes to show that even those who've served in the military can be passionate advocates for social change 
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It's a sign of strength, not weakness 
. And you know what really gets me? They're not just stopping at protesting, they're actually taking action, using their military skills to organize and mobilize others. It's inspiring to see people take a stand for what they believe in, especially when it comes to something as important as democracy. I'm keeping an eye on this situation, hope the government listens to these vets and makes the right call 
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! I mean, who would've thought that the guys who were once sworn to defend the country would become its biggest advocates for democracy? 
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