Former MK Yair Golan: If The Charedim Don’t Serve In The Army, We Won’t Either

Yair Golan, former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff and former Meretz MK, is asserting that if the current government persists with its present policies, parents will refuse to allow their children to serve in the army.

In a video shared by journalist Ishay Fridman, Golan can be heard expressing his views on a podcast. He states, “We still have numerous tools at our disposal. Thus far, the battle has been relatively peaceful. However, non-violent disobedience encompasses three primary tools: demonstrations, strikes, and civil disobedience.”

Golan emphasizes the need for the government to understand that reservists will simply not report for duty. He asserts that if the government fails to uphold its commitment to its citizens and denies them their fundamental rights, there is no rationale for individuals to serve such a government.

Consequently, Golan explains that until there is a change in policy, they will not serve the government. He argues that the army should not be excluded from discussions or debates, especially considering the involvement of reservists.

Furthermore, Golan warns politicians like Smotrich, Ben Gvir, and Netanyahu that if the current direction continues, parents will refuse to offer their children for military service. They will approach recruiting offices and firmly declare, “We will not entrust our children to you.”

In Golan’s view, if the chareidi population is not willing to serve in the army, there is even less reason for others to serve a government that undermines their civil rights.

“The inductees are part of the debate. Smotrich, Ben Gvir and Netanyahu should have no doubts: If this direction continues, they will see that the parents will come to the recruiting offices and say, ‘We will not give you our children.'”

“We will come to you and say very simply, if the chareidim are not prepared to serve this army, we will certainly not serve a policy that deprives us of our civil rights, it will never happen,” he concluded.

Golan’s remarks are well-known for their provocative nature. In March, he called for the use of “more force” during anti-government protests to achieve the objectives set by the organizers. He expressed the need for intensified campaigns, including daily mass protests, extensive strikes across various sectors, and acts of civil rebellion. While acknowledging that there will be significant consequences, he emphasized the importance of resolute determination, framing the struggle as one for the essence of Israel’s soul.

Earlier, in January, Golan tweeted urging a broad-scale civil uprising against the government, further highlighting his inclination toward advocating for drastic action.

{Matzav.com Israel}