Israeli Air Force Expels Pilots Who Signed Anti-War Letter
IDF leadership dismisses reservists who called for ending the war in Gaza and returning captives, sparking political and military backlash.
Watan-The Chief of Staff of the Israeli occupation army, Herzi Halevi, and the Air Force Commander, Tomer Bar, have decided to dismiss all signatories of a letter published by around 1,000 members of the Israeli Air Force calling for the return of Israeli captives from Gaza and an end to the war. The decision could initially affect dozens of active air force personnel.
Air Force leadership had attempted in recent days to block the distribution and publication of the letter. Prior to its release, Israeli Air Force commanders threatened 970 aircrew members—including officers, soldiers, and pilots—with dismissal if they did not withdraw their signatures.
In response to the soldiers’ letter, the army said in a statement carried by Hebrew media:”The army is operating on multiple fronts based solely on objective and professional considerations to achieve the goals of the war, chief among them the return of the captives.”
Israeli Air Force Dismisses Reservists Over Anti-War Letter
The letter from the soldiers stated:”Currently, the war primarily serves political and personal interests, not security ones. Continuing the war will not help achieve any of its stated goals and will lead to the deaths of captives, Israeli soldiers, and innocent civilians, while also draining reservists.”
The army expressed strong opposition to what it described as soldiers using their positions to oppose the government while actively serving:”It is unacceptable for a soldier to leave the command center and express distrust in his commanders and the war’s objectives. This is a deviation that cannot be tolerated.”
The statement confirmed that Air Force Commander Tomer Bar, with full support from Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, decided to dismiss all reservists currently serving who signed the letter. The statement emphasized that bringing politics into the military is unacceptable and that the army must remain outside political debates.
“The Israeli army will continue to act as a strong wall to defend the state… The Air Force Commander enjoys strong support from all branches of the army. We cannot fulfill our missions without reservists. We believe in the goals of the war. There is great tension and immense pressure on the soldiers, and we are doing everything we can to support the families and the individuals serving.”
Netanyahu Slams Anti-War Pilots as “Extremist Group” Seeking to Undermine Government
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, a review by the army found that about 10% of the signatories were active reservists—mostly volunteers—while the rest were former or retired military personnel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized the pilots who signed the letter, expressing full support for the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff’s decision to dismiss them. His statement read:
“Refusal is refusal—even if expressed implicitly and in polished language. Statements that weaken the Israeli army and strengthen our enemies in wartime are unforgivable.”
Netanyahu described the signatories as an extremist group trying to once again break Israeli society from within:
“They tried to do this before October 7. Hamas interpreted calls to refuse service as a sign of weakness. This annoying fringe group is working toward one goal only—to bring down the government. It does not represent the soldiers or the public.”
