Prime Minister Ariel Sharon: "Serving in the army is not 'request hour' on a radio music show."
Former President Ezer Weizman, who also served as Commander of the Israel Air Force: "Pilots of the Air Force have always had to carry out offensives that involved [risk of] harming civilians, but now of all times the rate of accidental casualties has decreased... If it were up to me, I would suspend them [the pilots who signed the letter] in a minute. This [phenomenon of refusing orders] is like a cancer; it must be cut immediately before it spreads."
Deputy Minister Col. (res.) Michael Ratzon: "They should be made to stand trial on charges of treason... Israel is now in an uncompromising war against terrorism striking out at its men, women, and children, and wartime is no time for any kind of refusal."
Kiryat Arba Chief Rabbi Dov Lior: "He that is merciful to the Palestinian population is thus being cruel to Israeli children."
Justice Minister Yosef (Tommy) Lapid, of the Shinui party: "If quality fighters [such as these pilots] are doubtful about the army's ethics, then the army must examine itself."
Former President Ezer Weizman, who also served as Commander of the Israel Air Force: "Pilots of the Air Force have always had to carry out offensives that involved [risk of] harming civilians, but now of all times the rate of accidental casualties has decreased... If it were up to me, I would suspend them [the pilots who signed the letter] in a minute. This [phenomenon of refusing orders] is like a cancer; it must be cut immediately before it spreads."
Deputy Minister Col. (res.) Michael Ratzon: "They should be made to stand trial on charges of treason... Israel is now in an uncompromising war against terrorism striking out at its men, women, and children, and wartime is no time for any kind of refusal."
Kiryat Arba Chief Rabbi Dov Lior: "He that is merciful to the Palestinian population is thus being cruel to Israeli children."
Justice Minister Yosef (Tommy) Lapid, of the Shinui party: "If quality fighters [such as these pilots] are doubtful about the army's ethics, then the army must examine itself."