In the aftermath of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, hundreds of thousands of Israeli military reservists were called to fight, leading to a surge in national unity. Despite initially being committed to the war with Hamas to defend Israel’s existence, many soldiers are now expressing frustration with the current government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition. Reservists like Anat Arbel, who is actively serving in southern Israel, are participating in antigovernment protests, citing a lack of leadership and failure to address the ongoing conflict effectively.
Anat Arbel, a reservist who was also active in antigovernment protests in 2023, believes that the current government is not meeting the needs of the country during this turbulent time. She expresses a desire for a government that prioritizes Israel’s best interests and is capable of bringing the conflict to a resolution. Similarly, Yehuda Lapian, a reservist from an Orthodox background, is protesting for the first time in his life, advocating for mandatory military service for all citizens, including ultra-Orthodox Jews, which some members of the Netanyahu government oppose.
Eitan Turgeman, another reservist who has started his own group called Tikun or Repair 2024, is also calling for new leadership to address the polarization in Israeli society and push for change. Turgeman, who previously supported right-wing candidates and voted for Netanyahu, is now seeking leaders who can unite the country and bring about positive change. Despite facing severe injuries sustained in battle, Turgeman is determined to continue advocating for new leadership and working towards a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As the war with Hamas continues and cease-fire talks drag on, Anat, Yehuda, and Eitan remain committed to pushing for change in Israel. Despite facing challenges and losing friendships over their activism, they believe in the importance of their efforts to bring about responsible leadership and a resolution to the ongoing conflict. They hope that by continuing to advocate for change, they can help create a more peaceful and unified future for Israel.
In conclusion, the frustrations of Israeli military reservists with the current government, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, are evident as they continue to push for change and advocate for new leadership in the midst of ongoing conflict with Hamas. Reservists like Anat Arbel, Yehuda Lapian, and Eitan Turgeman are actively participating in antigovernment protests and working towards a resolution to the conflict, despite facing challenges and opposition. Their commitment to bringing about positive change in Israel reflects a desire for responsible leadership and a unified future for the country.
