Col. Peled, the IAF pilot suspended for his refusal to report to reserve duty in protest against the judicial reforms, wrote to his friends after his suspension, "Thank you for the support and love at a time that is not easy for me.”
“In the last few weeks, together with some of my fellow reservists in other squadrons, I tried to understand the implications of the legislation on us as soldiers. Unfortunately, the IAF has not yet dealt with the consequences of this rash legislation. The consequences of the legislation led us to contact the IAF commander and present him with the complex picture."
"Along the way, we heard of several initiatives for action by people who received a listening ear from us and saw that the gaps and challenges were finally being presented. This valuable group of soldiers never called upon or asked any fighter in the IAF to take any action. On the contrary, they called only for inaction, and to maintain the cohesion of the IAF," , the pilot continued.
"We are in a stormy and fragile time. I know that many feel a storm of emotions following my suspension. I turn to each of you and ask that you convey to your friends - we swore to protect the democratic state of Israel and the values of the IDF, which, among other things, include protecting Israeli democracy. We swore so and we are determined to keep our oath. Our esteemed commander faces a challenge bordering on impossible. Keep supporting the commanders. Our group, together with me, will continue to present the serious dangers in the legislative process and we will all continue to preserve and protect a Jewish and democratic state."
Former IDF spokesman Avi Benyahu condemned the suspension. "The suspension of Col. Peled is an erroneous command move and poor management of a crisis unfolding from the most difficult and deep instincts known to the IDF and the Air Force. Commanders and reservists defend the country and society, this time without weapons. I find it hard to believe that he called on pilots to refuse to serve. He did not show up for 3 meetings with the minister, the chief of staff and the military. This behavior may have been unacceptable, but dismissing him is not smart."