As calls grow for IDF reservist refusal, DM Gallant says ‘We must talk – quickly’

By Emanuel Fabian

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5 March 2023, 7:21 pm

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Defense Minister Yoav Galant at the scene of a deadly terror attack a day earlier in Huwara, near Nablus, February 27, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)

As an increasing number of reservist troops have warned they will not show up for duty, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issues a call for immediate dialogue, without specifying who should talk and what should be discussed.

“The situation today requires us to talk, and quickly,” Gallant says in a brief video statement.

“We face heavy and complex external challenges, any call for refusal harms the functioning of the IDF and its ability to carry out its tasks,” he says.

“I call upon every soldier and officer, the IDF is the protector of Israel, and the reserve army is the source of its great power. Leave the political debate outside of the army.”