Israeli Military Veterans Lead the Charge Against Government's Judicial Overhaul Plan, Vowing to Continue Demonstrating.
In Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered for the 13th week in a row, with Yiftach Golov, a veteran from elite forces, proudly carrying a brown flag representing "Brother and Sisters in Arms." This group of military veterans, many of whom are now fighting on a new battlefield: to save Israeli democracy. Their mission is clear: to stop the government's judicial overhaul plan that would give governing parties more control over Israel's judiciary.
Golov, who served in special forces reconnaissance during the second intifada, never before took a political stance but became involved with the protest movement after attending a demonstration. He now believes it's his responsibility to defend the nation and stop what he calls "this madness." Golov emphasizes that their motivation is rooted in fighting for justice and liberty, similar to the American story.
The pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in moving the needle. Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause in the legislation, citing security concerns and the need for a real debate after the Knesset's Passover recess in April. However, many protesters are skeptical about the true intentions behind the delay, viewing it as a stalling tactic to buy time.
Netanyahu reiterated his stance that the overhaul is necessary and criticized those who refuse to train or serve in the military in protest against the planned changes. "Refusing is the end of our country," he said. But Golov disputes this notion, stating that they will continue deactivating until 100% sure Israel's state will remain a functional democratic country.
The group "Brother and Sisters in Arms" has taken to organized protests, including carrying a figure wrapped in the Israeli flag on a stretcher, echoing how wounded comrades would be carried off the field. They've also been active in becoming some of the most active organizers and demonstrators, using skills learned in the military to mobilize.
The situation remains tense, with protesters still present in large numbers despite Netanyahu's announcement. The size of Saturday's demonstration is estimated at around 150,000 people, according to Channel 12 in Israel, but organizers claim it was 230,000.
In Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered for the 13th week in a row, with Yiftach Golov, a veteran from elite forces, proudly carrying a brown flag representing "Brother and Sisters in Arms." This group of military veterans, many of whom are now fighting on a new battlefield: to save Israeli democracy. Their mission is clear: to stop the government's judicial overhaul plan that would give governing parties more control over Israel's judiciary.
Golov, who served in special forces reconnaissance during the second intifada, never before took a political stance but became involved with the protest movement after attending a demonstration. He now believes it's his responsibility to defend the nation and stop what he calls "this madness." Golov emphasizes that their motivation is rooted in fighting for justice and liberty, similar to the American story.
The pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in moving the needle. Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause in the legislation, citing security concerns and the need for a real debate after the Knesset's Passover recess in April. However, many protesters are skeptical about the true intentions behind the delay, viewing it as a stalling tactic to buy time.
Netanyahu reiterated his stance that the overhaul is necessary and criticized those who refuse to train or serve in the military in protest against the planned changes. "Refusing is the end of our country," he said. But Golov disputes this notion, stating that they will continue deactivating until 100% sure Israel's state will remain a functional democratic country.
The group "Brother and Sisters in Arms" has taken to organized protests, including carrying a figure wrapped in the Israeli flag on a stretcher, echoing how wounded comrades would be carried off the field. They've also been active in becoming some of the most active organizers and demonstrators, using skills learned in the military to mobilize.
The situation remains tense, with protesters still present in large numbers despite Netanyahu's announcement. The size of Saturday's demonstration is estimated at around 150,000 people, according to Channel 12 in Israel, but organizers claim it was 230,000.
these military vets are fighting for democracy and justice, and it's inspiring to see them taking a stand against the gov's plan to control the judiciary. they're not just protesting, they're putting their lives on the line to make sure israel stays a functional democracy 
yiftach golov is a total hero, never thought i'd see him speaking out like this 
the fact that netanyahu thinks refusing military service is the end of the country is crazy 
and the gov's stalling tactic by pausing the legislation might not fool anyone 
protesters will keep showing up in large numbers until they get the result they want 
hope this whole situation gets resolved peacefully, but one thing's for sure - israelis are speaking out and making their voices heard 
is it just an illusion that we keep passing down to our kids? these military vets are putting their lives on the line for this cause and I gotta respect that. but at the same time, I'm still not convinced that Netanyahu's plan won't just end up benefiting him and his party. I mean, have you seen the way he's been using those security concerns as a smokescreen? 
it's like he's trying to sweep everything under the rug so we can't really talk about what's going on.
They're not just fighting for their country, they're fighting for its very foundations – justice & liberty 
It's so inspiring to see them using their skills from serving in special forces to mobilize and organize protests. And what really gets me is that some people are saying Netanyahu's delay tactic is just a ploy to buy time... I mean, can't we trust him? 
. I'm curious to see where this all goes from here... will they be able to stop the changes or will it continue to be a stalemate? Either way, it's clear that these veterans are committed to defending their country and its values 
. Keep doing what you're doing, guys! 
but seriously, i'm low-key impressed by these military vets taking a stand for democracy 
and it's clear they're not backing down - 13 weeks in a row is no joke! 
chart time: protester numbers over the past 13 weeks:
they're not backing down and it's awesome to see them taking a stand for what they believe in. 
who are we gonna trust? 
. These military veterans taking a stand against the gov't's judicial overhaul plan is exactly what we need more of - people speaking out for what they believe in. It's heartbreaking to see them being dismissed by Netanyahu as "refusing" and saying it'll be the end of their country, but I think they're actually fighting for the future of Israel.
. These protesters are putting their lives on the line to protect democracy, and we should all be supporting them. We need to make sure that everyone has a say in how their country is run, not just those with power.
these military vets are literally giving me LIFE 
and btw, 230k people showing up to protest is NO JOKE 
this is definitely a turning point in the whole situation...fingers crossed that netanyahu's pause actually leads to real change 
Newsflash: veterans aren't about to sit this one out 
!