As overhaul advances, 4,000 reservists in key roles threaten to end volunteer duty

Nearly 4,000 reservist soldiers in key positions have signed letters saying they would refuse to show up for volunteer reserve duty in protest of plans by the government to implement far-reaching changes to the judiciary.

In recent weeks, protests against the judicial overhaul have rippled through the Israel Defense Forces, with reservists from dozens of units joining in threats to end their voluntary service, according to a list compiled by Channel 12 news on Sunday.

At least 200 aircraft pilots and navigators, 90 headquarters staff, 50 air traffic control operators and 40 drone operators have signed such letters, according to the report. The number of pilots and other Israeli Air Force (IAF) staff refusing to serve due to the overhaul was expected to rise further. READ MORE