Air Force Commander General Tomer Bar commented this evening (Tuesday) in a letter to his subordinates on the reports that 161 IAF reservists had announced that they would not volunteer for duty due to the judicial reform.
"Dear Commanders Forum - a complex period is upon us, and many things have been published tonight. I expect we will experience significant media attention in the coming week. We are finding out the details about the letter and its meanings."
"Nevertheless", he clarified, "the responsibility assigned to us has not changed, to continue a command dialogue with the reservists and regulars. Call on the reservists to continue reporting."
"For 75 years the Air Force has provided the aerial umbrella for the security of the citizens of the country, together with our dear reservists. This duty is incumbent on us even today. The operational situation at this time is known to all of you - together, we will protect the national army. Together, we will work to maintain the unity of the army and its competence. I rely on you. Forward this message to the commanders of the squadrons and operational units," Bar wrote to his subordinates.
In the letter in which the reservists announced the termination of their volunteering earlier today was written: "We, the undersigned, the 161 members of the operational heart of the IAF hereby announce the immediate termination of our volunteering for reserve service. We are a group of reservists who are at the forefront of thinking, planning, and control of Air Force operations in peace and combat for decades."
"At the end of March 2023, the Knesset passed the first reading of the law 'to change the composition of the committee for the appointment of judges'. On Tuesday, July 2023, the Knesset passed in the first reading the law 'to abolish the reasonability clause'", they explained.
"The final approval of these laws, and their inclusion in the law book of the State of Israel is a formal and short process, but one that will dramatically change the essence and face of the country, and will transform it from a democracy to a dictatorship."