A generational shift in the Israeli psyche?
It is difficult to conceive of a more intransigent problem than the Israel-Palestine issue. It has had superpowers, regional stakeholders and the greater public at loggerheads for decades. President Obama had dived right into the fray, but in all honesty seems to be making little meaningful progress. A significant element to the debate has always been the Fortress Israel-Iron Wall philosophy, where Israel sees security through military dominance, and pre-emptive attack as a valid form of deterrent. Israel has always seen its military as en quintessential part of its own self-definition.
There is a new glimmer of hope for a change in the dynamics of the situation. A group of Israeli 12th graders about to graduate has written to the Israeli government stating they will not serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as they do not believe the answer to the Israel-Palestine problem lies in a military solution. They stated that they are willing to serve time in jail, as military service is compulsory in Israel, rather then serve in the IDF. Perhaps, the new generation of Israelis and Palestinians may have a better chance of finally resolving the dilemma after all.
Sphere: Related ContentThe missive, which was addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, stated that the reason for their refusal to serve stems from the belief that “there is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“We hereby announce our refusal to take part in the military apparatus,” read the letter which was signed by 88 youths. “We do not see a military solution as the proper solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“We are not evading the duty to contribute to society and we are not breaking Israeli law, but rather it is our war for human rights which is an act of preserving Israel’s democratic character,” the high school seniors wrote.
The four youths who presented the letter to the press said they intend to refuse military conscription and that they are ready to serve time in military prison
Dozens of 12th graders tell Netanyahu: We refuse to serve in IDF – Haaretz – Israel News
