Israel's Elite Forces Turn Against Government, Fueling Nationwide Protests
A sea of Israeli flags waves in the air as Yiftach Golov holds up one with a subtle difference – a brown flag representing "Brother and Sisters in Arms." This group, comprised of veterans from elite forces, has become a driving force behind the ongoing protests against the government's judicial overhaul plan.
The protesters, who have taken to the streets for the 13th week in a row, are determined to save Israeli democracy. Many, like Golov, have experience fighting on the battlefield but now feel compelled to join the cause. "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.
Golov's journey began during the second intifada in the early 2000s, when he served in a special forces reconnaissance unit. He never thought politics would be involved until the protest movement started. The group "Brother and Sisters in Arms" was formed by veterans like Golov who felt their skills – organizing and mobilizing – could be utilized for a higher purpose.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story," Golov explained. "That's what we reclaim with our flag. It's something that has been lacking for decades." Fellow members of the group wear brown shirts with the organization's logo, sprinkled throughout the protests. They've taken to leading chants and drumming up support for their cause.
The pressure from Israel's elite forces has been a significant factor in moving the needle on the protest movement. Last Monday, after weeks of sustained protests and the largest general strike in Israeli history, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, allowing time for negotiations with the opposition.
However, many protesters are skeptical about the delay being genuine or merely a stalling tactic by Netanyahu. The group "Brother and Sisters in Arms" has stated that they will only deactivates once 100% certain Israel remains a functional democratic country.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pause, the protests continue with large numbers of people taking to the streets. CNN affiliate Channel 12 estimated the size of Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv at about 150,000 people, while organizers claimed it was around 230,000.
Netanyahu has reiterated that the overhaul is necessary and criticized those refusing to train or serve in the military as a threat to Israel's security. "Refusing is the end of our country," he said. But Golov countered, saying that protesters will continue their efforts until they reach their goal: a functional democratic state.
A sea of Israeli flags waves in the air as Yiftach Golov holds up one with a subtle difference – a brown flag representing "Brother and Sisters in Arms." This group, comprised of veterans from elite forces, has become a driving force behind the ongoing protests against the government's judicial overhaul plan.
The protesters, who have taken to the streets for the 13th week in a row, are determined to save Israeli democracy. Many, like Golov, have experience fighting on the battlefield but now feel compelled to join the cause. "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.
Golov's journey began during the second intifada in the early 2000s, when he served in a special forces reconnaissance unit. He never thought politics would be involved until the protest movement started. The group "Brother and Sisters in Arms" was formed by veterans like Golov who felt their skills – organizing and mobilizing – could be utilized for a higher purpose.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story," Golov explained. "That's what we reclaim with our flag. It's something that has been lacking for decades." Fellow members of the group wear brown shirts with the organization's logo, sprinkled throughout the protests. They've taken to leading chants and drumming up support for their cause.
The pressure from Israel's elite forces has been a significant factor in moving the needle on the protest movement. Last Monday, after weeks of sustained protests and the largest general strike in Israeli history, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, allowing time for negotiations with the opposition.
However, many protesters are skeptical about the delay being genuine or merely a stalling tactic by Netanyahu. The group "Brother and Sisters in Arms" has stated that they will only deactivates once 100% certain Israel remains a functional democratic country.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pause, the protests continue with large numbers of people taking to the streets. CNN affiliate Channel 12 estimated the size of Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv at about 150,000 people, while organizers claimed it was around 230,000.
Netanyahu has reiterated that the overhaul is necessary and criticized those refusing to train or serve in the military as a threat to Israel's security. "Refusing is the end of our country," he said. But Golov countered, saying that protesters will continue their efforts until they reach their goal: a functional democratic state.
the fact that they're using their skills to organize and mobilize support is a testament to their conviction. its not just about stopping the judicial overhaul plan, its about saving israeli democracy from what feels like a serious threat to its very existence. lets keep the pressure on netanyahu and his govt 
. I mean, come on, Netanyahu's always been a total control freak, but now he's trying to silence these guys with his "security" act? Give me a break 
. And what really gets my goat is that some people are actually buying into this narrative that the protesters are just "refusing to serve" or whatever 
. Like, no one's forcing them to join the military, but somehow it's always their fault when things don't go Netanyahu's way 
. Anyway, I'm glad the protests are still going strong and that people like Yiftach Golov are standing up for what they believe in 
. It's about time someone took him down a peg...
he thinks refusing to serve in the military is a threat to israel's security? like what even is his definition of security anymore? 
️ Netanyahu says refusing to serve in the military is a threat to Israel's security. Um, isn't that what makes you want to protest? 
The protesters won't give up until they reach their goal: a functional democratic state. That's what happens when you join the military and then become an activist! 
OMG u guys this is getting crazy!!! 
so like these elite forces r turning against gov & its fueling protests everywhere in Israel 
and i gotta say im all about it 
we need change & justice for democracy 4real 
like they know what they're talking about 
and Golov's story is so inspiring btw 
i mean who wouldn't want to use their skills 2 fight 4 a cause u go, gov pause 
but let's be real skeptical too 
we need actual progress n not just more empty promises 
