In a remarkable display of conviction, over 150 former Israeli soldiers have signed an open letter refusing to serve in the occupied Palestinian territories. This decision came as a direct response to the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
The group, known as "Yesh Gvul", or “There is a Limit,” is a peace group composed mostly of veterans. They have been in existence since 1982, primarily focusing on human rights, peace, and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This recent act of refusal is a stand against what they believe to be an unjust and disproportionate use of force by the Israeli military.
The open letter, addressed to the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, and the Chief of Staff, stated, "We are soldiers from different units and ranks in the Israeli military... and we were raised on the values of freedom, morality, and love of mankind. We will no longer lend a hand in the occupation."
Signatories of the letter include well-known figures like Jonathan Ben-Artzi, a nephew of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Avner Gvaryahu, the executive director of Breaking the Silence, an organization of veteran combatants who have served in the Israeli military since the start of the Second Intifada and have taken it upon themselves to expose the Israeli public to the reality of everyday life in the occupied territories.
Their refusal to serve has resulted in various forms of punishment, including imprisonment. Despite the potential consequences, these soldiers stand firm in their belief that the occupation is unjust and that they have a personal responsibility to resist it.
The actions of the Yesh Gvul group have sparked a national debate in Israel about the morality of the occupation and the role of the military in enforcing it. It has also garnered international attention, highlighting the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the deep divisions within Israeli society itself.