Why it matters:
Such a situation is indicative of an unprecedented disruption in the Zionist society where its so-called army has always been the symbol of its unity.
The big picture:
Protests in Israel have extended beyond military bases and now involve civilian groups such as doctors and university staff. Last week, professors from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University issued a joint statement criticizing the cabinet's policies, particularly the resumption of the war on Gaza and the violation of prisoner exchange agreements.
Zoom in:
The crisis has its roots in several layers:
- The war of attrition on Gaza, which has inflicted heavy social and political loss on the Israeli society.
- The Israeli cabinet's ignoring the ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreements, which has provoked anger among the Israeli families and military staff.
- Suppressive policies, like threatening the protesters with immediate expulsion, which has contributed to a sense of mistrust in the cabinet.
Even symptoms of doubt are seen among the supporters of the Israeli cabinet.
- Some in Likud Party have criticized the PM's hardline approach that can lead to further isolation of Israel.
Zoom out:
The disobedience and discontents among the Israeli settlers and troops comes as the people living in the main supporter of the Israeli regime consider the U.S. aid to the regime unfavorable.
- 53% of Americans have a very or somewhat unfavorable view of Israel
- Highly unfavorable views toward Israel have doubled from 10% in 2022 to 19% in 2025.
State of play:
Israeli Air Force, renowned for its technical intricacies and reliance on skilled pilots, has recently dismissed several seasoned professionals. New reports reveal that at least 15 senior pilots, integral to critical missions, have been suspended for signing protest petitions demanding an end to the war on Gaza and the return of Israeli captives.
Context:
The Israeli regime has imposed a heavy cost on both the Zionist settlers and the people of Gaza to reach its so-called objectives, the destruction of the Hamas resistance group and liberation of the captives. On one hand, it has massacred over 51,000 people in Gaza and displaced thousands of others within less than 2 years. On the other hand, it has sent its troops to a war where part of them returned in their coffins.
Between the lines:
The Israeli PM Netanyahu's accusations against military protesters, claiming they aim to overthrow the cabinet and are funded by foreign NGOs, highlight a deep internal crisis. Protests have spread to key military sectors, including the Air Force and reserve units, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
- By April 2025, over 1,200 reservists faced dismissal for protesting or refusing service in the war on Gaza operations, exposing significant unrest within the military.
State of the play:
Israel's resumption of strikes on Gaza during the prisoner exchange with Hamas led to protests in Tel Aviv, where over 10,000 people accused Netanyahu of victimizing the Israeli prisoners for his political gain.
The ICC announced in 2025 the acceleration of investigation into the Israeli war crimes in Gaza in March 2025, which has heightened the chances of arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials.
The bottom line:
The decision to immediately dismiss any individual or group encouraging military service refusal suggests a clear message: The cabinet wants to suppress all dissent by an iron fist. However, the policy could ultimately weaken the very institution that the Israeli regime has relied on for years—the army.
Will the Israeli cabinet find a way to stop the suppression to keep its army?
seyed mohammad kazemi
