IAF chief says pilots’ letter demanding hostage deal ‘weakens the solidarity’ of force

In a missive to members of the Israeli Air Force, IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar slams a letter signed by some 1,000 veterans, most of them retirees, demanding the return of the hostages even if it comes at the cost of ending the war against Hamas entirely.

“The manifesto that was published weakens the solidarity and leads to generalizations that affect servicemembers who are not partners to these views, as well as the entire [IAF],” Bar writes.

“It is not appropriate for active reservists to call to stop the war, which they themselves take part in. We cannot allow this in any unit that participates in the war, including the Air Force,” he says.

Bar says that he is “forced to act and declare that active reservists who signed the manifesto cannot continue to serve in the IDF.”

“This is a policy designed to maintain a strong, cohesive, and functioning [IAF],” he says.

Bar says it is a “painful, but necessary process.”

“Over the past week, we have had conversations with those involved. This message was delivered directly and indirectly, to separate the military from politics,” he says, adding that the IAF “will continue to operate like this in the future as well.”

“When we stand together in a full partnership, we will stand up to every challenge and complete each task successfully. This is a historic time, we must remain strong and united. Only then can we win. As the Air Force commander, I am committed to you, all of the servicemembers,” he says.

“May we stand with responsibility and professionalism with all the tasks we are given,” he adds.