The letter causing a storm in the Air Force: 'Continuation of fighting serves political interests, not security'

Israeli Air Force pilots sent a letter opposing the continuation of the fighting in the Gaza Strip, arguing that the motives were political, not security-related, causing an uproar at the top echelons of the Air Force.

As was reported on Tuesday for the first time, Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar threatened that anyone who signs the letter would not be able to continue serving in the reserves, even though the letter did not include a threat of refusal or cessation of volunteer reserve service.

The most controversial paragraph that troubled the Air Force Commander reads, "At this time, the war mainly serves political interests, not security interests. The continuation of the war does not contribute to any of its declared objectives and will lead to the deaths of hostages, IDF soldiers, and innocent civilians, as well as to the erosion of the reserve forces."

Bar has met in recent days with commanders in the Air Force and discussed the issue with them. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, participated in part of the meeting.

A military source stated in response, "All the Air Force Commander tried to do was prevent an active reserve soldier from calling for the cessation of the fighting, claiming that the war is personal and driven by political motives. The implication of this is a lack of trust, which could lead to damage to [the] cohesion and national security."

The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated, "The IDF, including the Air Force, is committed to and working towards achieving all the war’s objectives, including the return of all hostages. The letter has not been received by the IDF."

It was reported last month on "Friday News" on Kan 11 that dozens of reserve personnel from the Medical Corps announced that they would not be willing to return and participate in the fighting in Gaza.

The letter was signed by reserve soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonels and below, such as doctors, mental health officers, nurses, and medics. In the reasons for their action, the medical personnel cited calls to take control of territories and settle them in violation of international law, as well as the lack of progress towards the second stage of the hostage deal.

Additionally, last month, the IDF permanently terminated the reserve service of a combat navigator in the Air Force, Alon Gor, who published a post on social media ("𝕏") saying that he had approached his squadron commander and informed him of his cessation of volunteer service.

Among other things, Gor wrote that "the line was crossed at the point where the state knowingly and in broad daylight abandons its citizens, at the point where cynical and cold political considerations outweigh all other considerations, at the point where human life has lost its value, at the point where a government is undermining its gatekeepers by any means possible, at the point where the king has become more important than the kingdom."

Another storm also erupted in December 2024, when former State Attorney Moshe Lador said that reserve pilots have the right, and even a moral obligation, not to volunteer for reserve service as long as the judicial reform continues.

In response to sharp condemnations from state leadership, Justice Minister Yariv Levin approached the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, demanding that an investigation be opened against Lador.

President Isaac Herzog stated that in a democracy, everyone has the full right to an opinion and protest, but refusal is beyond the pale.

"We have one state, and we have one army, which must remain above all political disagreements," said the president.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a call for refusal during a war, especially from someone who headed the enforcement system, is crossing a red line that threatens democracy and undermines our future.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also condemned the words of the former State Attorney.