In a shocking turn of events, Israeli reservists are breaking their silence, openly condemning the ongoing war in Gaza and refusing to serve. Ron Feiner, a combat officer who has spent 270 days in active duty since the conflict reignited, claims the war’s true aim is not security or hostage recovery but rather the political survival of the Israeli government. His decision to stop serving follows a government breach of a ceasefire earlier this year, prompting a wave of dissent among fellow reservists.
Feiner and Yutam Wil, another officer who previously fought against Hamas, have joined forces with over 200 soldiers who signed a letter demanding an end to hostilities unless a ceasefire is secured. They voice a deep frustration over the lack of accountability for civilian casualties in Gaza, likening their mission to war crimes. Wil stated, “I really do not understand why we are continuing and destroying Gaza,” highlighting a growing sentiment of disillusionment within the ranks.
The public sentiment in Israel is shifting dramatically. A recent poll indicates that over 70% of Israelis prioritize the return of hostages over the continuation of the war, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates. Many are questioning the war’s purpose, suggesting it serves only to bolster Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political standing rather than ensuring national security.
As Netanyahu meets with U.S. President Trump in Washington, the urgency for a ceasefire grows. Negotiators are racing against time to broker an agreement that could end the violence, yet the path remains fraught with complications. With soldiers now increasingly reluctant to serve, Israel faces a critical juncture—will they heed the calls for peace, or will the conflict continue to spiral out of control? The world watches closely as the situation unfolds, with the stakes higher than ever.