IDF reservist who refused to show up for duty due to opposition to Gaza war jailed for 20 days

An IDF reservist who refused to show up for reserve duty over the fighting in the Gaza Strip has been jailed for 20 days.

Cpt. (res.) Ron Finer, who serves as a platoon commander in the 228th “Alon” Brigade’s 8207th Battalion, is a member of the Soldiers for Hostages group of reservists who have stated their opposition to the fighting in Gaza and their refusal to continue to serve.

“I was sentenced by my battalion commander to 20 days in prison. As a combat officer who has served 270 days in reserves since October 7, I was in reserve service for many months while constantly risking my life and giving up my civilian life. I am surprised by this unprecedented and disproportionate punishment,” he is cited by Ynet news as saying.

The IDF says that “the reserve officer refused to show up for duty for political reasons, which has no place in the army. Therefore, he was sentenced and punished.”

“The IDF views the refusal to show up for reserve duty with severity, and each case is handled individually by commanders,” the military adds.

The Alon Brigade is subordinate to the 146th Division, which is stationed in northern Israel. The brigade is not expected to be deployed to Gaza amid the ongoing offensive against Hamas.

סרן (במיל') רון פיינר, חבר גרעין שלי בתנועת החלוץ, הבן אדם הכי מסור ומורעל שאני מכיר, שיקריב את עצמו תמיד לכל משימה, פיינר שלפני חצי שנה חטף כדור בקסדה בזמן שפינה פצועים תחת אש בלבנון – נשלח ממש עכשיו ל-20 יום מחבוש. pic.twitter.com/Cc1QagFRSv

— Ben Hoshen (@Benhoshen) May 22, 2025