Major R., fighter pilot in response: "Don't call us refuseniks, the situation is impossible" | Israel Hayom

"Don't call us refuseniks, don't erase twenty years of service," clarified last night Major R., a reserve pilot in one of the fighter squadrons of the Air Force, who is opposed to the legal reform and who was present at the meeting last week with the commander of the Air Force, Major General Tomer Bar.

"I believe with all my heart that it is important that I continue to fly," Rabbi told Israel Hayom, "but we are in dire straits, and we express it to our commander. This is really not a political matter, we are trying to knock the ground out from under the Declaration of Independence."

In the Air Force, other voices have also been heard in recent days, who oppose the move led by the pilots in the reserves, and even call it an attempt at a military coup.

To this, Major R. replied: "I am part of a group, we followed the legitimate path of contacting the commander of the Air Force to explain to him that we are in an impossible situation."

Last Sunday, 37 reserve pilots from the Air Force's 69th Fighter Squadron announced that they would not show up for their scheduled training day this coming Wednesday.

As published in Israel Hayom, reserve personnel from at least two additional fighter squadrons - one at the Tel Nof base and one at the Ramat David base - are threatening to take a similar step.

Gallant with the reserve fighters, photo: Ariel Harmoni, Ministry of Defense

Major R. points out in the conversation that he understands the problematic during which he and his friends are leading. "The social rift throws the army inward.

There was tremendous power in the fact that we were sitting in a meeting with the commander, who heard these after sending them over the years on missions in all kinds of places in the world."

According to him, as of this time, none of the pilots refused to come to the reserve, and the refusal is nothing more than media spin.

"The story with 69 is simply a spin that got out of control. No one there said he refused to serve. 37 pilots wanted to meet and discuss the situation among themselves, a few of them were called to the reserves that day, so they canceled their arrival.

"I also cancel my reserves from time to time for all kinds of reasons. If someone decides not to go to the reserves any more - that's their personal decision. We haven't reached the point of refusal yet," R. adds.

"We understand the meaning of things, and therefore proceed with great caution and modesty."

According to R., his fellow pilots in the reserve are doing everything to avoid reaching a situation where many of them will not report to the reserve service.

"There are people who will end up in the reserves in any case, there are pilots in dictatorships as well."

And what about the claim that you manipulate the system?

"We do not use our power as fighter pilots to convey a message, we are allowed to contact our commanders. None of us wants to stop serving, but to continue serving the country for many years. We simply ask that they stop for a moment, and reach a broad consensus."

If the legal reform passes in its form, will you stop reporting for reserve service?

"I can't even imagine such a situation. If the moment comes, everyone will have to make a personal decision with themselves. Personally, I don't know what I will decide, but I am optimistic about reaching agreements."

The commanders' letter

Meanwhile, the pilots' protest continues to cause great concern in the military and political system.

The Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi, is expected to meet today with commanders and pilots from several different squadrons in the Air Force.

The pilots intend to implore the Chief of Staff to exert all his weight among the political echelon, and to express their concern that the weakening of the High Court may leave them without legal protection in front of international public opinion and in the courts.

Yesterday, the commanders of the Air Force for generations sent a letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Major General Yoav Galant: "We support the commander of the Air Force and his men at this difficult time, and appeal to you to stop and find a solution to the emerging situation." The letter that was sent was signed by the generals ( Mil') Amikam Norkin, Amir Eshel, Eliezer Shakdi, and more.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu: "Refusance will spread and become a method" (archive), photo: L.A.M.

Netanyahu: "Wild crops"

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke last night at the reading ceremony of the Book of Esther with the fighters of the Tactical Brigade of the Mageb in Beit Horon, and expressed his firm opposition to the threats of refusal.

"We do not fight on the battlefield to test the political views of our brothers. It is precisely during the holiday of Purim that we must remember the principle of unity. I am convinced that we will overcome the crisis, but the seeds can grow wild crops."

Netanyahu on the background of the pilots' letter: "There is no room for refusal"

In response, the chairman of the state camp, Benny Gantz, posted on his Twitter account: "Those who want to take politics out of the army - do not do politics in the army.

The refusal is first of all yours, Netanyahu."

Shirit Avitan Cohen participated in the preparation of the news.

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