11-04-2025
IDF faces internal dissent over Gaza war
ALBAWABA — As hundreds of soldiers and thousands of academics join an expanding petition calling on the government to halt the military assault and ensure the release of Israeli captives, opposition to the current conflict in Gaza is spreading in Israeli society. Also Read Over 100 killed in a single day as Israeli massacres ravage Gaza
Over 2,000 university professors and reservists from Unit 8200, a crucial military intelligence unit, signed a petition stating that diplomatic diplomacy, not more military escalation, is the only practical way to rescue prisoners, according to Israeli media. The government's strategy was criticized for prioritizing political goals above national security.
According to Channel 13, reservists from Unit 8200 raised concern about an increase in reservists refusing to serve and warned that continuous warfare is killing both troops and prisoners.
Around 100 reserve military physicians have also signed the plea for a ceasefire, according to Army Radio. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi responded by approving the firing of over 1,000 reservists who signed the letter and a number of senior commanders.
Furthermore, in a joint statement, about 1,000 Israeli Air Force members, both active and retired, called for the prompt repatriation of all Israeli captives, even if it means stopping the war. Notable signatories include former Air Force Commander Nimrod Shefer and former Chief of Staff Dan Halutz.
The declarations were rejected by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who accused signatories of compromising the legitimacy of a "just war."
With an estimated 9,500 Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails under allegedly appalling circumstances and 59 Israeli captives remaining in Gaza, the conflict, which has been going on since October 7, 2023, has resulted in unparalleled military and civilian deaths.
