IDF Chief of Staff responds to reservists' letters: "It is forbidden to use the reserve service for non-security purposes" | Israel Hayom

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevy addressed the outstanding reservists and addressed the controversy surrounding the petitions of many reservists that if the legal reform passes, they will end their reserve service in the army, saying: "Dear honorees and honorees, you do not take the existence and security of the state for granted; For you, reserve service is a value. Out of a deep commitment to the state and its citizens, you choose to enlist, initiate, expand your responsibilities and be better every day, thus becoming the most outstanding of our people.

"Since its establishment, the IDF has relied on reservists, the unique model of the People's Army, unparalleled in the world. The right and obligation to carry out the reserve mission is the share of a handful in Israeli society, whose experience and competence make them necessary for state security. Therefore, they should all be appreciated and cherished. No suckers; Exemplary citizens. Like many before you, you too joined the People's Army, learned about partnership and unity of purpose, and found great meaning in it. So much so that you continue to volunteer and serve even years after you have completed your duty by law."

"It is forbidden to use the reserve service." One of hundreds of messages sent by reservists to their commanders, photo: None

"People who see their duty as a right – it's a wonder. IDF commanders at all levels understand very well that the volunteer spirit of the reservists and their willingness to serve is essential for meeting the many and complex threats and challenges on all fronts: from distant Iran, through its proxies along the northern and southern borders, to the Palestinian terrorism operating within us.

"In the face of this security reality, we need you, the reservists. Today, more than ever. At the same time, and in order to preserve this wonder, whose purpose is existential, it is also necessary to say loud and clear: it is forbidden to use the reserve service for purposes other than the security order. Stand up and serve to defend the country, unreservedly and unconditionally.
The reservists are a central pillar of this defensive force, and together with the regular forces they are the IDF – a national and professional people's army, standing prepared, powerful and deterring in the face of all its challenges. We have a moral obligation to keep the reserve army trained, ready and alert.

"The selection of IDF commanders – regular and reserve – is made out of purely professional considerations, and there is no one else." Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter, Photo: Yehuda Peretz

In his speech, the Chief of Staff also addressed the round of appointment of IDF generals and criticism from the right over the non-appointment of Brigadier General Ofer Winter as major-general, saying: "I would like to emphasize here that the selection of IDF commanders – regular and reserve – is made out of purely professional considerations, and there is nothing else. Not the color of the beret, not friendship, not religious belief, but only the best and most suitable for the job. Decisions on appointments in the IDF are made by those who bear responsibility for them. Any attempt at external intervention or the introduction of extraneous considerations into this process is unacceptable and even dangerous. It's good that we choose from very good ones, we have to choose the most suitable."

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