More than 1,000 reservists from the Israeli Air Force&nbsp;on Friday (July 21) threatened to suspend their voluntary duty in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led government’s plans to overhaul the judicial system.

In a letter addressed to ministers, the military's chief of staff and the air force chief, the 1,142 active duty reservists called on the government to halt their plans and maintain the independence of the judiciary.

<h2>Reach broad agreements&nbsp;</h2>

“Legislation that allows the government to act in an extremely unreasonable manner will harm the security of the State of Israel, will cause a loss of trust and violate my consent to continue risking my life - and will lead, with deep sorrow and no choice, to a suspension of my volunteer reserve duty," the reservists said, reports Reuters news agency.

They asked the government to “reach broad agreements” with regard to the judicial overhaul, and “strengthen the trust in the judicial system by all parts of society, and preserve its independence.”

The reservists, who volunteer after completing their mandatory military service, account for around half of crews sent on combat sorties, according to Reuters, which has quoted army veterans.

Responding to the letter, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that "refusing service was dangerous for the country".

<h2>Israel military concerned&nbsp;</h2>

Israel’s military echoed similar concerns saying that they are examining the impact of the letter and that "accordingly, will examine the implications".

"Failing to report to reserve duty hurts the IDF and state security. Over the past days, it is evident that cohesion has been damaged, which will take a long time to repair," he said.

It is unclear what measures would be taken against reservists who do not show up for voluntary duty.

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<h2>Voting next week</h2>

Lawmakers are scheduled to vote next week on a bill that would empower the government to overturn any decision made by the Supreme Court.

For months, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has been grappling with the protests announced by hundreds of military reservists against the government’s plans to make changes to the judiciary.

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The supporters of the judicial overhaul argue that the “much-needed” sweeping changes would restore balance to the branches of government, while the detractors say that the plans would remove vital checks and balances.

This schism has sparked months of unprecedented nationwide protests, bruised the economy and stirred concern among Western allies.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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More than 1,000 reservists from the Israeli Air Force on Friday (July 21) threatened to suspend their voluntary duty in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led government’s plans to overhaul the judicial system.

More than 1,000 reservists from the Israeli Air Force on Friday (July 21) threatened to suspend their voluntary duty in protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led government’s plans to overhaul the judicial system. In a letter addressed to ministers, the military's chief of staff and the air force chief, the 1,142 active duty reservists called on the government to halt their plans and maintain the independence of the judiciary. Reach broad agreements “Legislation that allows the government to act in an extremely unreasonable manner will harm the security of the State of Israel, will cause a loss of trust and violate my consent to continue risking my life - and will lead, with deep sorrow and no choice, to a suspension of my volunteer reserve duty," the reservists said, reports Reuters news agency. They asked the government to “reach broad agreements” with regard to the judicial overhaul, and “strengthen the trust in the judicial system by all parts of society, and preserve its independence.” The reservists, who volunteer after completing their mandatory military service, account for around half of crews sent on combat sorties, according to Reuters, which has quoted army veterans. Responding to the letter, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that "refusing service was dangerous for the country". Israel military concerned Israel’s military echoed similar concerns saying that they are examining the impact of the letter and that "accordingly, will examine the implications". "Failing to report to reserve duty hurts the IDF and state security. Over the past days, it is evident that cohesion has been damaged, which will take a long time to repair," he said. It is unclear what measures would be taken against reservists who do not show up for voluntary duty. Also read | Ukrainian President Zelensky dismisses country's ambassador to the UK Voting next week Lawmakers are scheduled to vote next week on a bill that would empower the government to overturn any decision made by the Supreme Court. For months, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has been grappling with the protests announced by hundreds of military reservists against the government’s plans to make changes to the judiciary. Also read | Quran burning, desecration protests: Saudi Arabia, Iran summon Swedish diplomats The supporters of the judicial overhaul argue that the “much-needed” sweeping changes would restore balance to the branches of government, while the detractors say that the plans would remove vital checks and balances. This schism has sparked months of unprecedented nationwide protests, bruised the economy and stirred concern among Western allies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Over 1,000 Israeli Air Force reservists threaten to halt duties in protest against proposed judicial overhaul

The Israeli government's planned restriction of the power of the judiciary in the country has received flak from various quarters. Now, a majority of reservists of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet squadron have announced that they won't attend one of their planned training sessions later this week. Thirty-seven of 40 members of IAF’s 69th Squadron have said they will boycott Wednesday's planned exercises.&nbsp;

Known as the Hammers, the squadron operates the F-15I fighter jets out of the Hatzerim Airbase in southern Israel. The reservists informed IAF chief Tomer Bar and the commander of the squadron that they won't be attending the training session. However, they said they will report for duty for operational missions if needed.

“On Wednesday, March 8, we will devote our time to discourse and thinking for the sake of democracy and the unity of the people, and therefore we will not report to reserve duty on this day, with the exception of operational activity. During the rest of the week, we will report [for duty] as planned,” said the reservists in the letter, as reported by Channel 12 news.

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The group is best known for the 2007 strikes carried out on Syria’s nuclear reactor. The mission was largely known as Operation Orchard, and as Outside the Box in the IDF.

The Hammers have been involved in hundreds of strikes against Iranian entrenchment in Syria in the last 10 years and have also received a citation from the military chief in 2018.&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, senior pilots met with IAF chief Bar, raising concerns about continuing their services in the reserves. Channel 12 reported that the pilots fear that they might be exposed to prosecution by global bodies, such as the International Criminal Court, due to the new hardline government’s conduct.

Israel has long fended international probes citing the strength and independence of its own judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for investigating any wrongdoings by the Israeli forces. However, restricting the High Court of Justice’s power might decrease the credibility of the institution in the eyes of international bodies, experts say.

The Israeli government seeks changes that include curbs on the Supreme Court, accusing it of over-reach. Critics worry that Netanyahu - who is on trial on graft charges he denies - wants excessive power over the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the government hit back at the reports.&nbsp;"These irresponsible Israeli media are playing up any reservist who makes some kind of statement," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Channel 12 TV.

"There are tens and hundreds of thousands who will continue to enlist for the military and serve in the reserves and understand that we are brothers and bear responsibility for the great miracle that is the Zionist enterprise."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Israeli government's planned restriction of the power of the judiciary in the country has received flak from various quarters. Now, a majority of reservists of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet squadron have announced that they won't attend one of their planned training sessions later this week.

The Israeli government's planned restriction of the power of the judiciary in the country has received flak from various quarters. Now, a majority of reservists of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet squadron have announced that they won't attend one of their planned training sessions later this week. Thirty-seven of 40 members of IAF’s 69th Squadron have said they will boycott Wednesday's planned exercises. Known as the Hammers, the squadron operates the F-15I fighter jets out of the Hatzerim Airbase in southern Israel. The reservists informed IAF chief Tomer Bar and the commander of the squadron that they won't be attending the training session. However, they said they will report for duty for operational missions if needed. “On Wednesday, March 8, we will devote our time to discourse and thinking for the sake of democracy and the unity of the people, and therefore we will not report to reserve duty on this day, with the exception of operational activity. During the rest of the week, we will report [for duty] as planned,” said the reservists in the letter, as reported by Channel 12 news. Also Read | 'Anarchy': Netanyahu slams Israel mass protests; wife rescued from salon The group is best known for the 2007 strikes carried out on Syria’s nuclear reactor. The mission was largely known as Operation Orchard, and as Outside the Box in the IDF. The Hammers have been involved in hundreds of strikes against Iranian entrenchment in Syria in the last 10 years and have also received a citation from the military chief in 2018. Earlier on Friday, senior pilots met with IAF chief Bar, raising concerns about continuing their services in the reserves. Channel 12 reported that the pilots fear that they might be exposed to prosecution by global bodies, such as the International Criminal Court, due to the new hardline government’s conduct. Israel has long fended international probes citing the strength and independence of its own judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for investigating any wrongdoings by the Israeli forces. However, restricting the High Court of Justice’s power might decrease the credibility of the institution in the eyes of international bodies, experts say. The Israeli government seeks changes that include curbs on the Supreme Court, accusing it of over-reach. Critics worry that Netanyahu - who is on trial on graft charges he denies - wants excessive power over the judiciary. Meanwhile, the government hit back at the reports. "These irresponsible Israeli media are playing up any reservist who makes some kind of statement," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Channel 12 TV. "There are tens and hundreds of thousands who will continue to enlist for the military and serve in the reserves and understand that we are brothers and bear responsibility for the great miracle that is the Zionist enterprise." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel judicial shakeup: Reserve pilots of key squadron refuse to attend crucial training session

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Over 1,000 Israeli Air Force reservists threaten to halt duties in protest against proposed judicial overhaul

Israel judicial shakeup: Reserve pilots of key squadron refuse to attend crucial training session