Israeli reservists refuse to serve, call Gaza offensive ‘illegal’

Tel Aviv: Hundreds of Israeli reserve soldiers have refused to report for duty, declaring the military operation to seize Gaza City as illegal.

According to Israeli media, the reservists held a press conference in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, stating that they consider Prime Minister Netanyahu’s war unlawful and will not participate in it.

The soldiers said their group has already reached over 365 members, with the number continuing to grow.

They noted that while they had previously served in the war, they now publicly declare that they will not report for duty if called again.

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The reservists argued that the occupation of Gaza would endanger the lives of hostages, soldiers, and civilians, stressing that the decision comes from a government “prolonging the war for its own political survival.”

They further stated: “We consider refusal to serve our patriotic duty, and we demand accountability from our leaders.”

It may be recalled that the Israeli military has already called up 10,000 reserve troops as part of its Gaza City offensive.