Israeli army to dismiss air force reservists who signed anti-Gaza war letter - Media

In a statement to the Associated Press, an army representative said that no one, including reservists on active duty, has the right to "to exploit their military status while simultaneously participating in the fighting." The AP also referred to the letter condemning the war as a breach of trust between commanders and subordinates.

The Israeli army stated that any active reservist who signed the letter would not be able to continue their service. However, they did not specify how many individuals were involved or whether dismissals had already begun.

According to Israeli media reports on Thursday, nearly 1,000 reservists and former Israeli Air Force members signed the letter, demanding the immediate return of hostages, even at the cost of halting combat operations.

The letter was issued as Israel intensified its offensive in Gaza, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release the 59 hostages still held. More than half are believed to be dead.

Additionally, Israel has imposed a blockade on food, fuel, and humanitarian aid, causing severe shortages for civilians as supplies dwindle. The country has vowed to capture most of the Palestinian territory and create a new security corridor through it.

Although the letter’s signatories did not renounce military service, they are among the latest in a growing number of Israeli soldiers who are speaking out against the prolonged conflict. Some stated that they had seen or committed actions that went beyond ethical norms.

"It’s completely illogical and irresponsible on behalf of the Israeli policy makers … risking the lives of the hostages, risking the lives of more soldiers and risking lives of many, many more innocent Palestinians, while it had a very clear alternative," said Guy Poran, a retired Israeli Air Force pilot who led the drafting of the letter.

He added that he was unaware of anyone who had signed the letter calling for the release of hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to the situation. Yesterday, he downplayed the significance of the letter, calling it the work of "a small handful of weeds, operated by foreign-funded (non-governmental organizations) whose sole goal is to overthrow the right-wing government." He stated that anyone who encouraged refusal would be immediately discharged.

Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Israel is working with the US on a new agreement for the release of an additional group of hostages. US President Donald Trump is involved in the process.