Israeli Air Force commanders have threatened to dismiss 970 pilots, officers, and soldiers who have objected to continuing operations in Gaza. Israeli daily Haaretz reported this information on Wednesday.
The report stated that a letter recently reached the top commander of the Air Force expressing objection to the military operation in Gaza and demanding its cessation, bearing the signatures of these 970 individuals. The signatories include regular staff as well as reserve pilots and soldiers.
"They have indeed objected to the operation, but nowhere in the letter did they threaten to resign," the Haaretz report noted.
Citing sources, Haaretz reported that senior Air Force commanders have already contacted many of the signatories after receiving the letter and stated that only those signatories willing to withdraw their names from the list will remain in the force.
However, this threat has apparently not been very successful, as only 25 signatories have reportedly agreed to withdraw their names.
The signatories argue that the military operation in Gaza is being carried out for political reasons and has no connection to Israel's security.
This sentiment is also echoed by leaders of the Israeli opposition political parties. They have long alleged that the main objective of the military operation in Gaza is not Israel's security but rather Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's own job security and stability.
Meanwhile, following the dismissal threats, the top commander of the Israeli Air Force, Major General Tomer Bar, reportedly held a meeting with the objecting personnel. During the meeting, they strongly criticized the threats.
In response to the criticism, the top commander defended himself, stating that it was not a punitive measure but a logical decision. He argued that the force was uncertain whether those who signed the letter would properly fulfill their duties in the operation, and if they did not, the issue of hostage release would be hindered.
Tomer Bar further stated that such letters are "not legitimate" during wartime. However, he assured that the government would soon take steps to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages.
The IDF launched its operation in Gaza in October 2023. On October 7 of that year, fighters from Hamas, the armed political group controlling the Gaza Strip, infiltrated Israeli territory and launched a surprise attack, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage.
The Israeli forces launched an operation in Gaza that same day to free the hostages. After more than 15 months of continuous operations, Israel declared a ceasefire in Gaza on January 19, under pressure from the United States and other mediating countries. More than 49,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza during these 15 months.
After a two-month hiatus, Israel resumed its military operation in Gaza on March 18. In the past 23 days, more than 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
