Israeli Soldiers Sign Petition Refusing to Return to Fighting in Gaza

The Israeli army is witnessing a growing wave of refusal among reserve soldiers to return to military service in the Gaza Strip, signaling increased dissatisfaction within the military establishment.

Israel’s official broadcaster reported that dozens of reservists from the medical unit signed a petition declaring their refusal to participate again in military operations, in protest against the government’s delay in implementing the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal. They demanded an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations.

Meanwhile, Haaretz newspaper reported that the declining motivation among reserve soldiers also stems from political and judicial reasons, including recent government decisions such as the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, amendments to the judicial appointments committee, and the government’s disregard for Supreme Court decisions.

The newspaper warned that this decline could negatively affect the army’s combat capabilities, as officers have expressed concerns over a potential shortage in the manpower required for military operations.

Haaretz pointed out that the reservists’ refusal is not limited to political reasons but also results from exhaustion after an extended period of warfare. Nevertheless, these soldiers face legal threats ranging from imprisonment and fines to potential discharge from military service.

Additionally, a phenomenon known as “grey refusal” has emerged, in which soldiers use medical, family, or financial excuses to evade mobilization, though their true motivations may be political or ethical.

The Haaretz report indicates that army commanders are aware of the difficulty of dismissing or penalizing hundreds of reservists, particularly following such a prolonged conflict. With ongoing military operations in Gaza, exemption requests continue to rise, complicating future military planning and preparedness.

The army is also facing increasing pressure from some parents who seek to keep their children away from combat roles, amid growing fears of declining enlistment enthusiasm as the war drags on.