Halevi Reveals Netanyahu Rejected Proposal to Dismiss Refusing Reservists

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi revealed in a recent meeting with bereaved families that he proposed dismissing reservists who refused to report for duty during the judicial overhaul crisis, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, warning it would trigger a larger wave of refusals.

Meeting with Bereaved Families

According to reports broadcast, the closed-door meeting took place with a small group of bereaved families who sought answers in the absence of an official state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre. Halevi stated that following the passage of the law canceling the reasonableness standard, he met with Netanyahu and warned him that Israel was in a security danger zone.

To minimize the danger, I asked you to issue a positive statement toward the reservists and ask ministers to stop attacking them, Halevi reportedly told Netanyahu.

Discrepancy Between Public and Private Stance

Halevi added that while Netanyahu publicly criticized the military and its conduct, his tone behind closed doors was entirely different. According to the former Chief of Staff, when he pressed the issue by asking if Netanyahu wanted him to dismiss all reservists who failed to report, the Prime Minister reacted sharply, stating: Under no circumstances! It will bring a bigger wave, do not do it.

Both the Prime Minister s Office and representatives for Herzi Halevi declined to comment on the reports.