Air Force to dismiss reservists who signed letter demanding prioritization of hostages over fighting

Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar is set to dismiss active reservists who signed a letter demanding prioritizing the return of the hostages in Gaza over continuing the fight against Hamas.

The IDF says it has no issue with reservists protesting any matter in their civilian lives, as long as they do it without using the name of the military or their role.

The letter, with around 1,000 signatories, was signed by “air personnel in reserves and retirement.”

According to the military, the vast majority of those who signed the letter are retirees and not active reservists. The IDF is still investigating the list and working to identify those who are in active reserves.

It is thought that dozens of the signatories are active reservists and will likely be dismissed. The others are close to retirement or haven’t served for years.

Several reservists who initially signed on to the letter removed their signatures prior to its publication after holding discussions with the IAF.

The few signatories who are active reservists are set to be dismissed from duty by Bar. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has supported the move.

The military says it cannot accept a situation in which reservists “use the Israeli Air Force brand” to protest political matters.

It also says that “it is inconceivable for someone to do a shift at [the IAF] command center and head out afterward and express mistrust in the task.”

The IDF says its only aim is to achieve the goals of the war, especially the return of the hostages.