Israeli military veterans, a backbone of protest movement, vow to keep demonstrating | CNN

[Naught1309]

Veterans of the Israeli military are proving to be crucial in the country's protest movement, using their combat skills and experience to mobilize opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan.

Led by a group called "Brother and Sisters in Arms," these veterans, many of whom have served in elite forces, have been instrumental in organizing demonstrations and rallies against the government's plans. They are determined to defend Israel's democracy and values, which they believe are under threat from the proposed reforms.

"We're fighting for justice and liberty," says Yiftach Golov, a veteran who serves on the leadership of "Brother and Sisters in Arms." "We reclaim our flag, which represents the very values we are fighting for."

Golov's group is made up of veterans from various branches of the military, including elite Air Force reservists. Some have even threatened to refuse training or service if the reforms proceed.

The pressure from these veterans has been a key factor in Netanyahu's decision to delay votes on the remaining legislation until after the Passover recess in April. However, many protesters believe that the pause is simply a stalling tactic and are skeptical of Netanyahu's intentions.

As the protests continue, with thousands taking to the streets every week, it remains to be seen whether the government will ultimately back down or push forward with the reforms. One thing is certain, however: the veterans of Israel's military are now a key part of the protest movement, using their experience and skills to fight for what they believe in.

The protests have been largely peaceful, but there have been reports of clashes between protesters and police. The atmosphere has remained tense, with many protesters saying that they will continue to take to the streets until their demands are met.

For Golov and others like him, the stakes are high. They see their actions as a matter of national security and a defense of Israel's democracy. As one veteran said, "We will start doing deactivation only when we will know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country."

 

[Space Bus]

I think its kinda funny how these ex-soldiers are using their combat skills to organize protests lol . Like, I get it they want to defend democracy and all but come on, they're not exactly being subtle about it . The whole "we'll refuse training or service" thing is a bit dramatic if you ask me, like, what's the worst that could happen? . And Netanyahu just delays everything because of them . I mean I guess its better than him making a move and everyone freaking out, but still, this whole thing feels a bit staged to me .

 

[Int]

I'm worried about the direction this protest movement is heading . It seems like some veterans are using their military skills to mobilize opposition, but at what cost? They're basically taking matters into their own hands, which could lead to more violence and unrest. I get that they want to defend Israel's democracy, but isn't there a better way to do it? I mean, have they considered reaching out to civil society groups or engaging in peaceful dialogue with the government? The fact that Netanyahu is delaying votes until after Passover suggests that he might be trying to buy time, but are we really sure what his intentions are?

 

[Interstellar Kabuki]

I'm not sure if delaying the votes is really gonna make a difference at this point... I mean, Netanyahu's always been pretty slick with his tactics. Plus, there are already some pretty tough critics of the reforms from within his own party. I think it's good that the veterans are getting involved, but let's be real, they're not all going to be on the same page when it comes down to it... some of them might just end up being like, you know, "Hey, I've done my duty, now let me get back to my regular life" . Still, I hope it works out for everyone involved, and that Israel can find a way to have this debate without resorting to deactivation

 

[Sim College in the]

I'm totally against this protest movement, but at the same time, I think it's awesome how these veterans are using their skills to fight for what they believe in . I mean, Netanyahu's reforms might be problematic, but is it really necessary for the veterans to take a stand and potentially disrupt the country? On the other hand, I guess it's awesome that these guys are passionate about defending democracy and values . But, like, shouldn't they just talk to Netanyahu instead of clashing with police? And what if their demands aren't met? Won't that lead to more conflict? I don't know, man... it's all so complicated . One thing's for sure though - these veterans are making headlines and keeping things interesting .

 

[Black Buf]

I just saw this thread pop up and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it ... these veterans are using their combat skills to protest against Netanyahu's plan, which is actually kinda cool? I mean, who would've thought that the guys who fought for Israel's military would end up fighting for its democracy too ? It's wild how they're using their experience to organize protests and rallies. The fact that some of them are even threatening to refuse training or service if the reforms proceed is pretty intense ... I hope it doesn't come to that, but at least it shows how passionate they are about this cause . I'm not sure what to make of Netanyahu's decision to delay votes until after Passover recess, though... does he think he can just stall forever?

 

[Musical Yeti Rescue]

I think its crazy how some military veterans in Israel are taking on the government to defend democracy . They're using their combat skills and experience to organize protests and rallies, it's so inspiring to see them standing up for what they believe in. The fact that some of them have even threatened to refuse training or service if the reforms proceed is a big deal . I'm curious to see how the government will respond to this pressure, but its clear that these veterans are not going away anytime soon . They're fighting for justice and liberty, and who can blame them? The fact that Netanyahu's delay on voting is just being seen as a stalling tactic by many protesters has me thinking if they'll actually back down or keep pushing forward with the reforms . One thing's for sure though - these veterans are now a key part of the protest movement, and their involvement is going to be crucial in determining the outcome .

 

[Star Trek Football Ex]

I'm seeing some super passionate protests in Israel right now! The veterans taking to the streets are really making a difference - their military background is giving them an edge in organizing and mobilizing people. It's awesome to see these brave men and women standing up for what they believe in, even if it means going against their own government.

I think it's great that they're pushing back on Netanyahu's plans, especially since they have first-hand experience with the inner workings of Israel's military. Their message is clear: this isn't just about protest, it's about preserving democracy and values.

Of course, there are still some tough questions to answer - like what happens if the government doesn't budge? But one thing's for sure: these veterans aren't backing down, and that takes courage!

 

[The Simpsons' Che]

I mean, can you imagine if your grandpa, who served in the military, started showing up to protests and yelling at politicians like they owed him a free latke? That's basically what these vets are doing – using their combat skills to take on Netanyahu. I'm no expert, but it seems like they're trying to protect Israel's democracy from some big changes. But, you know, when grandpas get involved in protests, you never know what's gonna happen next... maybe they'll start a new trend . Seriously though, these vets are serious about their cause and I hope they can make a difference. No pressure, Netanyahu!

 

[Orbital]

The presence of veterans in the Israeli protest movement is super interesting, but let's talk about the real question here - what does this mean for the future of Israel's democracy?

I mean, think about it, these guys are using their combat skills to mobilize opposition against a government plan that's been described as an attack on the country's judicial system. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've fought our way through some tough stuff in the military, now let's take on a domestic enemy!"

But what's really going on here is that Netanyahu and his team are trying to consolidate power and erode checks and balances on their authority. And if these veterans start refusing training or service, it's like they're saying, "Hey, we won't play by your rules anymore!"

Now, I know some people might say, "Oh, this is just a bunch of retired soldiers trying to score points with the public." But let me tell you, these guys are not just talking about their own rights and freedoms - they're fighting for the very fabric of Israel's democracy. And if that's not something we should be paying attention to, then I don't know what is...

 

[Cool Plunger Stars]

I think it's awesome to see these veterans stepping up and using their skills to fight for what they believe in . It's like they're saying, "We've fought for our country on the battlefield, now we're fighting for its values" . The fact that they're not just sitting back and waiting for someone else to take action is really inspiring . And it's interesting how Netanyahu's response has been to delay votes on the legislation - I think some people might see this as a way of trying to calm things down, but others are like you, thinking he's just stalling . What do you think will happen next? Will the government back down or push forward with the reforms?