Thousands of Israeli veterans have taken up the cause as their new mission, joining the growing protest movement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to overhaul the Israeli judiciary.
The 13th consecutive week of protests has seen hundreds of thousands of demonstrators take to the streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Among them are veterans like Yiftach Golov, who served in a special forces reconnaissance unit during the second intifada and now heads a group called "Brother and Sisters in Arms."
Golov's group is one of many organizations that have been mobilizing protests against the proposed changes to Israel's judicial system. The veterans, many of whom are still active reservists, feel compelled to speak out against what they see as an attack on democracy.
"We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness and defend Israel," Golov said in an interview with CNN. "We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story - that's the values that are being represented on our flag, which is something that was lacking for the last few decades."
Golov's message echoes that of many other veterans, who have taken to using their military training to organize protests and mobilize demonstrators. Some have even threatened to refuse service or train if the government pushes forward with the reforms.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story... We reclaim the flag," Golov said.
The pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in Netanyahu's decision to delay votes on the legislation. But many protesters remain skeptical, believing that the pause is merely a stalling tactic.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu's government will respond to the growing resistance. But one thing is clear: the Israeli veterans have become a force to be reckoned with in the fight against what they see as an attack on democracy.
The 13th consecutive week of protests has seen hundreds of thousands of demonstrators take to the streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Among them are veterans like Yiftach Golov, who served in a special forces reconnaissance unit during the second intifada and now heads a group called "Brother and Sisters in Arms."
Golov's group is one of many organizations that have been mobilizing protests against the proposed changes to Israel's judicial system. The veterans, many of whom are still active reservists, feel compelled to speak out against what they see as an attack on democracy.
"We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness and defend Israel," Golov said in an interview with CNN. "We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story - that's the values that are being represented on our flag, which is something that was lacking for the last few decades."
Golov's message echoes that of many other veterans, who have taken to using their military training to organize protests and mobilize demonstrators. Some have even threatened to refuse service or train if the government pushes forward with the reforms.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story... We reclaim the flag," Golov said.
The pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in Netanyahu's decision to delay votes on the legislation. But many protesters remain skeptical, believing that the pause is merely a stalling tactic.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu's government will respond to the growing resistance. But one thing is clear: the Israeli veterans have become a force to be reckoned with in the fight against what they see as an attack on democracy.
Can't believe these Israeli vets are standing up for their country like this! It's crazy how they're taking a stand against Netanyahu's plans, even if it means potentially losing their own benefits 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to defend freedom and justice? Their message is so inspiring - reclaiming the flag and fighting for what's right 
. It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we've served our country, now it's time to serve ourselves and the greater good'. I gotta respect that 
. The fact that Netanyahu's government is delaying votes because of pressure from these vets shows you can't silence a strong voice 
. These Israeli veterans are showing us what it means to be passionate about what matters 
.
man I'm actually kinda impressed by these Israeli vets taking a stand... like, I know it's not perfect but you gotta respect their commitment to fighting for what they believe in. I mean, serving in special forces reconnaissance unit during the second intifada? That's some serious stuff 
. And Golov's message about reclaiming the flag and standing up for justice and liberty is pretty cool, too.
. But I do know one thing: these Israeli vets have got some serious guts and conviction. And who knows, maybe their actions will actually lead to some real change 
.
what im saying though is its awesome to see these people taking a stand and using their military training for good. lets just hope netanyahu doesn't mess it up 
The fact that some of them are even threatening to refuse service or train if the gov't pushes forward with the reforms shows just how serious they are about defending democracy. But at the same time, I'm a bit skeptical about whether delaying votes on the legislation will really make a difference in the end. Still, its clear that these vets have become a major force to be reckoned with and their voices wont go unheard 
hundreds of thousands of people are taking a stand here, and its not just some tiny group of activists... its actual veterans who have fought for israel! 
what's at stake here isnt just some minor reforms to the judiciary system... its about whether israel wants to be a functional democracy or not. 
! It seems like these vets are really stepping up and taking a stand for what they believe in, but it's scary when you think about the power of the government and how quickly things can escalate 
. I mean, we've seen this before with movements and protests, and sometimes the system just doesn't seem to be on your side 
It feels like a power struggle to me - the vets want control over the judiciary, which might not necessarily align with the values they claim to be fighting for. 
The fact that some of them have threatened to refuse service if their demands aren't met just raises more red flags 
Not sure I buy this whole "fighting for justice and liberty" narrative... it sounds like a pretty calculated move to me 
.
. And honestly, what's the end goal here? Is it just about stopping Netanyahu's plans or is it about something more profound 
? Anyways, gotta keep an eye on this situation and see where it goes 
, this time against their PM's plans to overhaul the judiciary system. Veterans like Yiftach Golov are leading the charge, using their military training to organize protests and mobilize demonstrators 
. They're fighting for justice and liberty, just like that old American story... but will it be enough to save Israel from itself? 
! These guys are fighting for their country's future and it's incredible 
. They're not just protesting, they're taking a stand for democracy and justice 
. Netanyahu's plans are like, super scary 
. I mean, who wants to see their judiciary get "overhauled" 
. The fact that they're using their military training to organize protests is mind-blowing 
. They're showing Netanyahu that we won't back down 
. Let's see how he responds to the growing resistance 
!
, gotta respect these guys for using their experience and training to make a difference in their nation's future 
they're literally putting their country on the line for what they believe in, which is a pretty big deal considering they've already served multiple tours of duty 
... it's not just about politics, its about protecting democracy and freedom 