From Air Force reservists who signed letter demanding war’s end now allowed to return to duty
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Fifteen Israeli Air Force reservists who were said to be “suspended” from being called up for reserve duty since April, after they signed a letter calling for a deal to release the hostages held in Gaza and end the war there, will now be permitted to return to duty.
The story was first reported by the Ynet outlet.
The IDF denies that any reservists had actually been suspended, saying that “decisions regarding the calling up of reservists for service were and remain subject to orders and the discretion of commanders, with operational readiness and unit cohesion at the top of the priorities.”
The military adds, “Reservists who signed the letter will be returned to service in accordance with the decisions of their direct commanders, based solely on these criteria, and therefore, there is no change in policy.”
The letter published in April did not call for a general refusal to serve, but instead urged the government to prioritize the release of hostages over the continuation of the war in Gaza, which the signatories argued at the time served “political and personal interests” rather than national security.
After the letter was published, the military said it would dismiss all 60 active duty reservists who signed it, saying soldiers cannot use the “Israeli Air Force brand” to protest political matters.
However, ultimately, none were dismissed from duty, but instead, the 15 in question were not called up by their commanders for service.
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