Herzog says reservists refusing to serve is not legitimate act of protest

President Isaac Herzog speaks out against reservists refusing to serve to protest government actions, calling the act “forbidden.”

Speaking at a ceremony to honor outstanding reservists, Herzog spoke out against the movement, which gained widespread traction as a means of protesting the government’s judicial overhaul plans.

“As citizens, reservists have the same full rights to any opinion and to protest as any citizen in a healthy democracy,” Herzog says.

“But as soldiers in uniform, refusal is out of bounds. It is forbidden to endanger the security of Israel,” he says.

Before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu froze the judicial overhaul to allow for talks hosted by Herzog, reservists — who are a key part of the army’s routine activities, including in top units — were increasingly warning they will not be able to serve in an undemocratic Israel, which they charge the country will become under the government’s plan.