Israeli military veterans, a backbone of protest movement, vow to keep demonstrating

Israeli Military Veterans Take Up Cause, Vow to Continue Protesting Against Government's Judicial Overhaul Plan.

In the heart of Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered for the 13th week in a row, carrying Israeli flags and some wearing brown shirts with the logo of "Brother and Sisters in Arms." Among them was Yiftach Golov, a veteran from an elite forces reconnaissance unit who has taken up the cause as his new mission.

Golov's group, made up of veterans, military reservists, and others, is fighting for justice and liberty, mirroring the values represented by Israel's flag. "We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness to defend Israel," Golov said, as he weaved through the protesters on Kaplan street.

The protest movement has gained significant momentum since January, with many veterans and military reservists joining the cause. Some have taken it a step further, threatening not to train or serve in protest of the government's plans for judicial changes that would give the governing parties more control over Israel's judiciary.

Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, citing security concerns. However, many protesters believe this is just a stalling tactic and are skeptical about the delay being real. Golov echoed these sentiments, saying, "We will start doing deactivation only when we will know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country."

The group's actions are backed by some of their fellow veterans, who have taken to becoming organizers and demonstrators. They're using skills learned in the military – how to organize, how to mobilize – now for the protests.

Israel's protest movement is diverse and made up of many disparate groups, but the pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in moving the needle. The size of Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv was estimated at around 150,000 people by CNN affiliate Channel 12, although organizers claimed it was much higher.

The standoff between Netanyahu and his critics shows no signs of easing, with many protesters demanding action on the judicial overhaul plan. As one protester said, "We are fighting for our democracy, and we will not back down."

For Golov and others like him, this is a new battlefield, but their commitment to defending Israel's democracy remains unwavering. They're willing to sacrifice everything – career, health, mental well-being – to ensure that their country stays on the right path.

"We believe in something bigger than ourselves," Golov said, his voice filled with conviction. "We are allowed to sacrifice anything needed, whether it's our career or health. We know we're on the right side and we're carrying the torch of light. That keeps us highly motivated despite not sleeping for days."

I'm still thinking about what I said last week ... so many of these vets are literally risking their careers and well-being to stand up against this gov plan... it's crazy how they're willing to give up everything for what they believe in . And honestly, who can blame them? This overhaul plan sounds like a huge threat to Israel's democracy and freedom . I'm all for vets speaking out and using their skills to make a difference - it's about time we saw more of our military folks getting involved in politics ... btw, did anyone else notice that the gov is just stalling on this plan? seems like they're just trying to buy some time .

the fact that israelis are taking matters into their own hands by protesting against gov policy shows they value their democracy over gov power lol . i think its great that vets like golov are using their skills to organize and mobilize the crowd, its amazing how a nation can come together for what they believe in . meanwhile, i'm still trying to figure out why gov is being so stubborn about this judicial overhaul plan... maybe its because they know its gonna make them look bad on the global stage

man... 150k people in tel aviv can't be ignored . i feel bad for netanyahu, but at the same time, it's like he's trying to pull a fast one on everyone . vowing to continue protesting and even threatening not to train or serve is pretty bold, but i gotta respect that . these veterans know what they're fighting for - the country's democracy and way of life. if the gov pauses the legislation just to stall, it's gonna keep the momentum going anyway . someone's gotta keep pushing for change, and if it means risking their careers and health, so be it . i love how Golov says they're "carrying the torch of light" - that's some inspiring stuff .

What's next? They'll be protesting their own beds if this is just a stalling tactic. Netanyahu needs to make a real move or face the consequences.

I'm literally blown away by these Israeli military veterans taking a stand against their government's judicial overhaul plan . I mean, who wouldn't want to defend democracy? It's crazy how they're willing to put everything on the line - their careers, health, mental well-being... it's just insane . And honestly, I think it's awesome that they're using their military skills to organize and mobilize the protests . The fact that they're not backing down is truly inspiring. It's like they're saying, "We may have served our country in battle, but now we're fighting for its soul."

I'm totally feeling this energy from Yiftach Golov and all these brave Israeli military veterans taking a stand against the government's judicial overhaul plan They're putting everything on the line to defend Israel's democracy, and I gotta respect that It's crazy how much momentum this protest movement has gained – it's not just about them, but also about the people who are being affected by these changes. I hope things start moving soon in a positive direction

OMG , can't believe those Israeli vets are taking a stand against their gov's judicial overhaul plan! They're willing to risk everything - career, health, mental well-being... like, what?! But I get it, they wanna protect Israel's democracy and ensure the country stays on track. The fact that some of them have even threatened to stop training or serving is crazy , but you can't blame 'em. They're passionate about their cause and willing to take a stand.

I'm kinda inspired by Golov's commitment to defending Israel's democracy - he's got the whole "sacrificing everything" thing down pat ... I mean, who wouldn't want to fight for something they believe in that strongly? But seriously, it's awesome that these veterans are using their skills learned in the military to organize and mobilize the protesters. The numbers are crazy - 150k+ people in Tel Aviv?! That's what I call a movement!

It'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out - will Netanyahu's gov cave under pressure or continue to push through with their plans? Either way, it's clear that these vets aren't backing down and are willing to keep fighting for what they believe in.

150k people in Tel Aviv is crazy but seriously, I feel so bad for these protesters who are risking their careers and health just to defend Israel's democracy . It's like they're fighting for the very fabric of their country and it's heartbreaking . The fact that some veterans have taken up this cause and are using their military skills to organize protests is really inspiring . I hope Netanyahu listens to them and reverses his plans, but if not, it's going to be a tough road ahead . Can't imagine what it must be like for them to lose sleep over the future of their country .

I'm surprised by how passionate these veterans are about stopping the government's judicial overhaul plan. I mean, they've risked their careers and health to join this cause, which shows just how much they care about Israel's democracy . It's great to see so many people coming together for a common goal – 150k protesters is massive! But let's be real, this plan has been in the works for ages, and it's hard to believe that Netanyahu just paused it due to security concerns . I'm not buying it. Maybe they're stalling until the momentum dies down? Time will tell if these veterans are right or wrong about their cause

I'm low-key impressed by these Israeli veterans who are standing up for what they believe in . I mean, can you blame them? They've seen the impact of a strong judiciary on their country and they're determined to protect it . The fact that some of them are willing to risk their careers and health to do so shows how serious they are about this cause .

What's also interesting is how this movement is bringing people together from different walks of life . I've seen videos of protesters holding hands, singing songs, and even crying together . It's a beautiful display of solidarity and commitment to a shared goal .

Of course, there are some who think Netanyahu is just stalling for time , but I believe the veterans have a point . The fact that they're using their military skills to organize and mobilize the protests shows that they're not afraid to take on the system .

It's going to be interesting to see how this situation unfolds, but one thing's for sure: these veterans are not going away anytime soon . They'll keep fighting for what they believe in, even if it means sacrificing everything .

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."