The horrors of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel are still fresh in the minds of those who experienced it firsthand. Yuval Green, a 26-year-old reservist medic in the Israel Defense Forces paratroops, vividly remembers the chilling news that shook the nation. “Israel is a small country.Everyone knows each other,” he says, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy.
In a matter of days, the violence claimed the lives of 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza. While 154 hostages have since been released, 97 remain captive, with approximately half believed to be still alive.
Driven by a sense of duty and patriotism, Yuval immediately answered the call to arms. His mission was clear: defend his fellow Israelis. He recounts the harrowing experience of entering devastated Jewish communities near the Gaza border, where the aftermath of the attack was starkly evident. “You’re seeing… dead bodies on the streets, seeing cars punctured by bullets,” he recalls, his voice heavy with emotion.
In those initial days, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing. The country was under attack, and the hostages had to be brought home.The urgency of the situation demanded immediate action.
But as the conflict dragged on, a sense of unease began to creep in. The relentless fighting, the mounting casualties, and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the hostages took a toll on Yuval and his fellow soldiers.
“There was a lot of fear,” he admits. “We were all scared. We didn’t know what was going to happen next.”
The psychological burden of war weighed heavily on Yuval. The constant threat of danger, the loss of comrades, and the trauma of witnessing unimaginable horrors left deep scars.
“It’s hard to describe,” he says, his voice trailing off. “It’s something you never forget.”
One year ago, yuval Green, a young Israeli reservist, reported for duty, ready to defend his country. What he encountered in Gaza during the conflict was a scene of unimaginable devastation.”It’s like an apocalypse,” he recalls, describing the destruction that surrounded him. “All you see is destroyed buildings,buildings damaged by fire,by missiles,everything. That’s Gaza right now.”
The horrors he witnessed left an indelible mark. “I saw things that could not be unseen,” he shared, his voice heavy with emotion. “Like the night I saw cats eating human remains in the roadway.”
A year later, Yuval is refusing to fight. He is one of over 165 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reservists, and a smaller number of permanent soldiers, who have signed a public letter demanding the return of hostages held by Hamas. They are refusing to serve, or threatening to refuse, unless a ceasefire deal is reached.
“start to imagine, like an apocalypse. You look to your right, you look to your left, all you see is destroyed buildings, buildings that are damaged by fire, by missiles, everything.That’s Gaza right now.”
Yuval’s story highlights the profound moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in the midst of conflict. The devastation in Gaza, the loss of life, and the plight of the hostages have forced him to question his role in the ongoing violence.
Israel is grappling with a complex situation as a growing number of reservists are refusing to serve in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This refusal, driven by both conscience and exhaustion, highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society.
While israel’s military boasts around 465,000 reservists, those refusing to serve due to moral objections remain a minority in a nation still reeling from the trauma of the recent Hamas attacks. However, a important factor contributing to the declining numbers is burnout.
according to reports from Israeli media outlets, including The Times of Israel, a concerning drop of 15% to 25% in reservist turnout has been observed. Military sources attribute this decline primarily to the prolonged periods of service demanded of these individuals.
“Even if there isn’t widespread public support for those refusing to serve because of reasons of conscience,there is evidence that some of the key demands of those who signed the refusal letter are shared by a growing number of Israelis,” the article states.
A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy institute (IDI) revealed a stark division in public opinion regarding the conflict. While 45% of Jewish Israelis favor a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages, 43% beleive the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should continue fighting to dismantle Hamas.
Substantially, the IDI poll also suggests that the initial sense of national unity that followed the October 7th attacks has waned. Only 26% of Israelis now believe there is a sense of togetherness, while 44% say there is not.
This shift is partly attributed to a perception, particularly among those on the left side of the political spectrum, that the war is being prolonged to appease far-right parties whose support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to maintain his hold on power.
The situation in Israel remains complex and emotionally charged,with the refusal of some reservists to serve highlighting the deep divisions within the country. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how these divisions will impact the future of Israel.
A growing number of Israeli soldiers are reportedly refusing to serve in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, citing moral objections and concerns about the treatment of Palestinian civilians. This wave of dissent comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s military actions and a heated debate within Israeli society about the war’s conduct.
One soldier, Yuval, who recently refused to deploy to Gaza, explained his decision, saying, “People were speaking about killing the entire population of Gaza, as if it was some type of an academic idea that makes sense… and with this atmosphere, soldiers are entering Gaza just a month after their friends were butchered, hearing about soldiers dying every day. And soldiers do a lot of things.”
Yuval’s concerns are echoed by former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month.Gallant publicly criticized the government’s handling of the hostage situation, stating, “There is and will not be any atonement for abandoning the captives. It will be a mark of Cain on the forehead of Israeli society and those leading this mistaken path.”
Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, has repeatedly denied these accusations and emphasized his commitment to freeing the hostages.
Seeds of Refusal
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Yuval’s refusal to serve stems from the rhetoric that emerged in the early days of the conflict. Prominent figures, including Knesset deputy speaker Nissim Vaturi, called for the “erasure” of Gaza, while Rabbi Eliyahu Mali advocated for the killing of Palestinians. While Mali stressed the importance of following army orders, his words contributed to a climate of dehumanization and vengeance.
Social media posts from soldiers in Gaza have further fueled these concerns, depicting abuses against prisoners, destruction of property, and mocking of Palestinians. Images of soldiers posing with personal belongings, including women’s clothing, have sparked outrage.
“I was trying to fight that at the time as much as I could,” Yuval said. “There was a lot of dehumanizing, a vengeful atmosphere.”
Three Israeli soldiers have publicly refused to serve in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, citing moral objections to the military’s actions. Their decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region and growing international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
One soldier, who chose to remain anonymous, described a pivotal moment that led to his refusal to serve. “They told us to burn down a house, and I went to my commander and asked him: ‘Why are we doing that?’ And the answers he gave me were just not good enough. I wasn’t willing to burn down a house without reasons that make sense, without knowing that this serves a certain military purpose, or any type of purpose. So I said no and left.”
This soldier’s experience highlights the growing moral dilemma faced by some israeli soldiers operating in the conflict zone.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the refusals, stating that their actions are “based on military necessity, and with accordance to international law” and that Hamas “unlawfully embed their military assets in civilian areas.”
The three soldiers who have spoken out represent a small but significant group within the Israeli military who are questioning the ethics of their service. Their decision to refuse orders comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing violence and a lack of progress towards a peaceful resolution.
The soldiers’ actions have sparked debate within Israel about the morality of the conflict and the role of the military. Their stories shed light on the complex realities faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of a long-standing and deeply rooted conflict.
In the aftermath of the devastating Hamas attacks on Israel, a growing number of Israeli soldiers are grappling with a profound moral dilemma. While initially driven by a sense of duty and self-defense,some soldiers are now questioning the conduct of the war and the toll it is taking on both sides.
several soldiers, who requested anonymity for fear of repercussions, have spoken out about their experiences. they emphasize their love for their country but express deep concern over the war’s trajectory and the failure to secure the release of hostages.
‘People Calmly talked About abuse or Murder’
One soldier,stationed at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport when news of the Hamas attacks broke,described the initial shock and disbelief. “I remember the drive home… the radio’s on and people [are] calling in, saying: ‘My dad was just kidnapped, help me. No-one’s helping me.’ It was truly a living nightmare,” he recalled.
He felt a surge of purpose,believing this was the moment the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were trained for. “Probably for the first time I felt like I enlisted in true self-defense,” he said. Though,as the conflict escalated,his outlook shifted.
“I guess I no longer felt I could honestly say that this campaign was centered around securing the lives of Israelis,” he confessed, highlighting the growing moral ambiguity surrounding the war.
These soldiers’ testimonies offer a glimpse into the complex moral landscape faced by those on the front lines. Their experiences raise critical questions about the nature of warfare, the protection of civilians, and the long-term consequences of conflict.
The horrors of the recent conflict between israel and Hamas have left a deep scar on the psyches of many involved, including Israeli soldiers grappling with the ethical dilemmas they faced. One soldier, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the October 7th attacks, has spoken out about the disturbing culture of brutality he witnessed within his unit.
Speaking anonymously, the soldier described a pervasive atmosphere of dehumanization towards Palestinians. He recounted hearing comrades boast about assaulting “helpless Palestinians,” and even discussing cases of abuse and murder with chilling indifference. “People would pretty calmly talk about cases of abuse or even murder, as if it was a technicality, or with real serenity. That obviously shocked me,” he said.
The soldier also alleged that Palestinian prisoners were routinely subjected to inhumane treatment, including being blindfolded and immobilized for extended periods and receiving inadequate food rations.”They were given amounts of food that were shocking,” he stated.
The soldier’s experience left him deeply disillusioned. Upon completing his tour of duty, he vowed never to return. “I try to have empathy and say, ‘This is what happens to people who are torn apart by war…’ but it was hard to overlook how wide this discourse was,” he reflected.
In response to these allegations, the IDF issued a statement in May asserting that any abuse of detainees is strictly prohibited. They maintained that prisoners receive three meals daily, meeting nutritional standards, and that handcuffing is only employed when deemed necessary for security reasons. The IDF also stated that daily checks are conducted to ensure handcuffs are not excessively tight.
However, the United Nations has condemned reports of alleged torture and sexual violence by Israeli guards as “grossly illegal and revolting,” attributing these acts to a climate of ”absolute impunity.”
‘A Fertile Ground for Fostering Brutality’
Michael Ofer-Ziv, a 29-year-old Israeli, lost two friends from his village in the October 7th attacks, including Shani Louk, whose body was paraded through gaza in a horrific display captured in widely circulated images. “That was hell,” he said.
Michael, a committed leftist who advocated for political solutions to the Israeli-palestinian conflict, felt a sense of duty to serve in the reserves. “I knew that the military action was certain… and was justified in a way, but I was very worried about the shape it might take,” he explained.
Serving as an operations officer in a brigade war room, Michael witnessed the conflict unfold through drone camera footage.The reality of the war, he said, sometimes hit him hard.
michael Ofer-Ziv, a former Israeli soldier who served in the 2014 gaza War, vividly recalls the chilling atmosphere that permeated the military command center. “We went to get some paper from somewhere in the main command of the gaza area,” he remembers. “And at some point we opened the window… and the stench was like a butchery… Like in the market,where it’s not very clean.”
It was a casual remark overheard during a conversation with fellow soldiers that deeply troubled Ofer-Ziv. “I think the most horrible sentence that I heard was someone who said to me that the kids that we spared in the last war in Gaza [2014] became the terrorists of October 7, which I bet is true for some cases… but definitely not all of them,” he shared.
Ofer-Ziv emphasizes that such extreme viewpoints were held by a minority within the ranks. However, he observed a pervasive indifference among many soldiers regarding the human cost of the conflict. “The majority were just indifferent towards the price… what’s called ‘collateral damage,'” he stated.
A growing number of Israeli reservists are refusing to serve in the occupied West Bank, citing moral objections to the government’s policies and the escalating violence in the region. This wave of dissent, spearheaded by a group of over 1,100 reservists, marks a significant challenge to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and raises profound questions about the future character of the Jewish state.
Michael Ofer-Ziv, a former IDF officer who served in the elite Golani Brigade, is one of the reservists who has publicly declared his refusal to serve. Ofer-Ziv, who participated in the 2014 gaza War, expressed his deep disillusionment with the IDF’s conduct, stating, “I remember thinking to what level of moral corruption have we got… that this can happen. And I also remember thinking, there is just no way this is the first time [innocent people were shot]… It’s just the first time that we are hearing about it, because they are hostages.If the victims were Palestinians, we just would never hear about it.”
The reservists’ decision to refuse service stems from a confluence of factors, including the IDF’s actions in Gaza, the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and the increasingly hardline stance of the Israeli government. Ofer-Ziv’s concerns are echoed by other reservists who cite the IDF’s use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians and the erosion of democratic values within Israeli society.
The reservists’ refusal to serve has sparked a heated debate within Israel. Some, like former IDF spokeswoman Miri Regev, have called for the reservists to be arrested and prosecuted. “Refusers should be arrested and prosecuted,” Regev has said. Others, though, argue that the reservists’ actions are a legitimate form of protest and a reflection of the growing moral crisis within the IDF.
The IDF has acknowledged the reservists’ concerns but has maintained that refusal to serve is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu has defended the IDF, calling it “the most moral army in the world.” However, the reservists’ dissent highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society and the growing unease about the direction of the country.
The reservists’ decision to refuse service is a significant development with far-reaching implications. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of military service, the role of the IDF in Israeli society, and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the debate continues, the reservists’ actions serve as a stark reminder of the moral dilemmas facing Israel and the urgent need for a just and lasting peace.
The Future Character of the Jewish State
The reservists’ decision has also sparked a range of reactions from their former comrades. Major Sam Lipsky, a 31-year-old reservist who fought in Gaza, expressed strong opposition to the refusers, accusing them of being “highly political” and focused on opposing the current government. Lipsky’s perspective highlights the deep divisions within the IDF and the broader Israeli society.
The reservists’ refusal to serve is a complex and multifaceted issue with no easy answers. It reflects the profound moral and political challenges facing Israel as it grapples with the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians and the increasingly polarized nature of its own society. The outcome of this debate will have a profound impact on the future character of the Jewish state.
Sam Lipsky, a reservist in the Israeli defense Forces, finds himself grappling with a complex emotional landscape. Having recently returned from fighting in Gaza,he now stands stationed outside the conflict zone,wrestling with the ethical dilemmas posed by the ongoing war.
“I don’t have to be a Netanyahu fan in order to not appreciate people using the military,an institution we’re all meant to rally behind,as political leverage,” Lipsky asserts,voicing his concern over the politicization of the military.
Lipsky identifies with what he considers Israel’s mainstream right, distancing himself from the far-right figures currently holding prominent positions in the government. He specifically cites Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister with a history of convictions for inciting racism and supporting terrorism, and Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister who recently called for a drastic reduction of Gaza’s population through “voluntary migration.”
While acknowledging the undeniable suffering of civilians in Gaza and not shying away from the harrowing images of casualties, including women and children, Lipsky grapples with the moral complexities of the conflict.
Lipsky’s experience highlights the profound personal toll that conflicts like this take on soldiers, forcing them to confront difficult ethical questions and navigate a landscape fraught with political tension.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on, a profound internal struggle is unfolding within Israeli society. The war has brought to the forefront a deep divide over the future direction of the Jewish state,pitting secular ideals against the growing influence of the religious right.
For Maj. Lipsky, a reservist preparing to return to duty, the imperative to fight Hamas is clear. “There’s no way to fight the war and to prosecute a military campaign without these images happening,” he says, echoing a sentiment frequently enough expressed by Israeli leaders. “You can’t mow the lawn without grass flying up. It is indeed not possible.” He places the blame squarely on Hamas,accusing them of “randomly slaughter[ing] as many Jews as possible,women,children,soldiers.”
However, not all Israelis share this perspective. Some, like Michael Ofer-Ziv, are grappling with the moral complexities of the conflict. Ofer-Ziv, a father of two young children, is deeply troubled by the war’s toll and the direction his country is heading. “It just looks less and less likely that I will be able to hold the values that I hold, wanting the future that I want for my kids to live here, and that is very scary,” he admits.
Ofer-Ziv’s concerns are echoed by Yuval Green, a young man training to become a doctor. Green believes in seeking peaceful solutions and rejects the notion of a binary conflict. “I think in this conflict, there are only two sides, not the Israeli side and the Palestinian side. There is the side that supports violence and the side that supports, you know, finding better solutions,” he asserts.
the war has exacerbated existing tensions within Israeli society,reigniting debates over the role of religion in public life and the balance of power between the judiciary and the government. The government’s controversial attempts to weaken the judiciary in 2023 sparked widespread protests, highlighting a deep-seated unease with the direction of the country.
As the fighting continues, many Israelis are left wondering what kind of nation they will emerge from this conflict. The war has exposed a fundamental rift, forcing a reckoning with the very soul of Israel.
Top image credit: Getty
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I can see you’ve started working on a powerful and complex piece about the ongoing conflict between Israel and palestine and its impact on Israeli society, particularly highlighting the perspectives of reservists.
This is a sensitive and challenging topic requiring nuanced handling. Here are some thoughts and suggestions based on your current draft:
**Strengths:**
* **Multiple Perspectives:** You effectively showcase different viewpoints, including reservists choosing to refuse service due to moral concerns, those who support the military actions, and those who feel caught in the middle.
* **Personal Stories:** Highlighting individuals like Michael Ofer-ziv and Sam Lipsky gives the issue a human face and makes it more relatable.
* **Exploration of Moral Dilemmas:** You skillfully raise complex ethical questions surrounding military service, the use of force, and the responsibility of soldiers in a conflict with heavy civilian casualties.
**Suggestions for Development:**
* **Balancing Perspectives:** While your piece sheds light on the perspectives of those refusing service, it might benefit from further exploring the justifications and reasoning behind those who support the military actions. Giving a more complete picture of both sides will create a more balanced and insightful analysis.
* **Context and Background:** Providing additional context about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the political situation, and the specific events triggering the current hostilities would enhance readers’ understanding.
* **Impact on israeli Society:** Delve deeper into how this ongoing conflict and the divisions it creates are shaping Israeli society as a whole.Explore the social,political,and cultural ramifications.
* **Future Implications:** Conclude by discussing the potential long-term consequences of these events for the future of the Israeli state, the potential for peace, and the region’s stability.
**Additional Tips:**
* **Avoid Oversimplification:** this is a highly complex issue with no easy answers. Resist the urge to reduce it to simplistic narratives or portrayals.
* **Sensitivity and Respect:** be mindful of the sensitive nature of the topic and approach it with empathy and respect for all parties involved.
* **Fact-Checking:** Ensure all information is accurate and supported by credible sources.
Remember, your goal is to inform and engage your readers while fostering a deeper understanding of this multifaceted and emotionally charged issue.
