Key Knesset defense panel to meet on IDF readiness fears as reservist protest mounts

The Knesset’s powerful Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will hold a closed-door briefing with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to Wednesday reports, as more air force reservists made good on threats to stop volunteering for service following the passage of part of the government’s judicial overhaul.

The meeting, reportedly scheduled for Monday, will focus on the Israel Defense Force’s operational readiness in the face of protests by reservists vowing to quit volunteer service due to the far-reaching changes to the judiciary being pushed through the Knesset by the government.

On Wednesday, some 120 reservists who had already signed a letter vowing to suspend service if the controversial “reasonableness” bill passed, informed their commanders that they were making good on their threat, according to protest organizers. The reasonableness bill passed into law on Monday, despite massive pressure on the government to hold off on the measure. READ MORE