Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke this evening (Tuesday) at an IDF event marking the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War and addressed the phenomenon of reservists refusing to report for duty in protest against the government's planned judicial reforms. "The calls that are being heard these days to encourage refusals and to end the service of reservists threaten the unity of the ranks, are dangerous, and are a prize for our enemies," Gallant said. "Even today, in the face of ever-increasing threats, the soldiers of the IDF stand as a protective wall, ready to fulfill their duty to protect the integrity of Israel and the future of the Jewish people. The strength of the IDF rests on the unity of its ranks, on those soldiers - from the tank commander to the division commander - who understood the magnitude of the hour and stand ready together for every mission, united in pursuit of the goal. Even today the key to success in our missions lies in the unity of our ranks in the face of our enemies," he added. Related articles: Gallant calls return to fighting in Gaza the 'right move' 'Gantz and Eisenkot's resignation harmed return of hostages' 'Netanyahu, Eisenkot and Gantz were against the maneuver' Government didn't do everything possible to bring back hostages "I call on public figures from the right and the left, leave politics out of the army. Refusals harm the IDF. Refusals harm the security system. Refusals harm Israel's security. The IDF is the protective tool that gives life to the State of Israel. "We must all condemn refusals or calls for refusals and remember well - we all have one destiny, we are all brothers, the IDF is the army of all of us - Israel's defense army. We have no other army to lean on. We have to take care to keep it cohesive and leave it out of any controversy," Gallant concluded.
