Air Force chief: Attacks on pilots, others have caused harm that’ll take years to fix

The chief of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, says his force continues to operate as usual despite calls by reservists to not show up for volunteer duty in protest of the judicial overhaul, but adds that the current discourse is causing great damage that will take “years to fix.”

“I feel a heavy responsibility on my shoulders,” says Bar in remarks provided by the military. “My interest is in the competence and cohesion of the [Air Force] and managing to carry out the heavy tasks assigned to it.”

“In the last few weeks and days, the [Air Force] continues to operate in all arenas and in highly significant operational incidents,” says Bar.

“The harsh statements that have been made toward the army and the Air Force, standing and reserves, in recent days, have no place in society and they have caused great damage to the cohesion of the force. I strongly condemn them,” he says.

“I continue to stand by the principle of continuing to show up for duty and will continue to stand by it. The [Air Force] has many challenges, and we do not have the right not to complete them,” he adds.

“The service model in the Air Force has worked excellently for 75 years. This model enables the aerial safety net for our citizens’ security. If we continue harming that — it will take years to fix this.”