Report: IDF reservist no-shows rising as Gallant warns PM army could ‘fall apart’

Illustrative: IDF reservists patrolling along the Lebanese border near the Israeli village of Zar'it. (Roy Sharon/Flash90)
Illustrative: IDF reservists patrolling along the Lebanese border near the Israeli village of Zar'it. (Roy Sharon/Flash90)

Channel 12 says Defense Minister Gallant warned Netanyahu in recent talks that if the judicial overhaul is not softened, “the IDF will fall apart” and he would “have to act accordingly,” apparently a reference to resigning.

Gallant reportedly told Netanyahu that refusal to serve was growing and the military could reach the stage in which it cannot function. He urged the premier to listen to reservists who are concerned about the overhaul.

The network reports on alleged “quiet refusal” growing within the ranks of the army, with many reservists failing to show up for duty in recent weeks.

In one training session this week of a top unit in the Paratroopers Brigade, several companies saw only 30% of reservists show up, and a few of those who did arrive later announced they could not serve.

The report says IDF personnel involved in calling up reservists have increasingly been told by individuals that they will not show up due to conscientious objections over the judicial overhaul.

The IDF has refused to comment on the details of the report.

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