Economy Minister Nir Barkat (Likud) has condemned criticism of reservists who have indicated they will refuse to report for duty if the government's legal reforms pass.
"Reservists are the salt of the earth, the best of our sons and daughters, people in whose merit we are able to exist here in the State of Israel," Barkat said. "I salute them.
"There is no place here for criticism of our reservists who endanger their lives for our security, sometimes in heavy battle. At the same time, there is no place for refusal to serve. Even in the intense heat of political dispute we must remember that we have no other IDF," Barkat concluded.