Israel expels progressive politician from army reserves over conscription protest call

Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the expulsion of politician Omri Ronen from the army reserves for publicly advocating refusal of military conscription. Katz announced the decision on social media platform X, stating he instructed the chief of staff to ensure Ronen is removed from any service capacity.

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He instructed the chief of staff to ensure that Omri Ronen, who called and preached insubordination for political reasons, is expelled from any service framework in the army.

Ronen had appeared on Israeli television, urging citizens to do "anything to prevent a coup... including refusing to report" for military service. He framed this as a necessary action to protect democracy.

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anything to prevent a coup... including refusing to report

In response, Ronen accused Katz of promoting "draft dodging law," referencing the government's policy that exempts ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service. Ronen asserted that he and his supporters are the "true servants of this country" and vowed to continue serving a democratic Israel, aiming to do so soon from the Knesset.

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Abandons the fighters and protects the deserters.

The refusal of military conscription, though a minority tactic, is a form of political protest in Israel. Ronen, who is part of the Israeli democratic organization "Brothers and Sisters in Arms," has served over 350 days in the military since October 7, 2023, and was active during previous periods of political instability marked by protests against judicial reforms.

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We are the true servants of this country, and those who destroy it have no right to lecture us. I will continue to serve the democratic, liberal, and free State of Israel, very soon from the Knesset of Israel.