Proud to serve Israel, but not its government

In the weeks after Hamas carried out the October 7 attacks, hundreds of thousands of Israeli military reservists were called to fight amid a surge in national unity. “I gave them 100 days to come up with this war, bring in the hostages and keep us united.” But after returning from the war, some of these soldiers say they have had enough. “The current government, which has taken no responsibility for October 7 or its actions up to October 7, cannot be expected to lead this country to a better place.” In a war that is in its eighth month and in which officials on both sides say at least 35,000 Palestinians and about 1,500 Israelis have died, soldiers we spoke to say they are engaged in a war against Hamas that they see as a battle to defend Israel’s existence. But they say their love for the country does not translate into love for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, a view shared by most Israelis. “Saturday evenings are the days we protest, and on Sunday morning I will go to the army.” Reservists have long played a key role in shaping Israeli policy. Anat Arbel is a reservist currently serving at a base in southern Israel. I am part of this war, as if there was no other way to look at it. I am fighting this war out of love for my country and my people. And I also oppose this government and fundamentally oppose everything they do.” Anat took an energetic part in anti-government protests in 2023, one of the most divisive and turbulent years in Israel’s history, as part of a enormous movement against proposed judicial reform. Now she is back on the streets because she says Israel’s leaders have failed to live up to this moment. “First of all, I hope that the protests will lead to a hostage deal. We need a government that has Israel’s best interests at heart. It’s heartbreaking and horrible, like any war, but there is no end in sight. Global sentiment towards Israel is at an all-time low.” “Since October 7, my life has changed in many ways.” This anti-government movement attracted people from different parts of Israeli society. Unlike Anat, Yehuda Lapian is protesting for the first time in history. “I started political volunteering in sixth grade, handing out leaflets to Netanyahu. I’m 37 years venerable and he’s still here. Have to go. “Yehuda comes from an Orthodox background. He recently returned from 120 days of war as a reservist serving in a front-line supply unit. “I’m coming back again in July. Sometimes I lose sleep because of my country, which I love and care about. “The main goal is for the hostages to come home because we don’t think our government is focused on that.” Lapian supports the Brothers in Arms group, among other things, because it advocates compulsory military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, which is opposed by some members of Netanyahu’s government. “I’m going to protest to introduce a fresh rule that everyone should be drafted into the army. It’s morally right and that’s why I got involved. They’re the only ones literally shouting it and it’s something that needs to change. Like Lapian, fellow reservist Eitan Turgeman also says his service in the war prompted him to take action. But for Turgeman, working with others to start his own group outside the protests, Tikun or Repair 2024, was a way to fight polarization and push for fresh leadership. Eitan says he has historically supported right-wing candidates and voted for Netanyahu. But since the war broke out, he says he is looking for fresh leaders to aid unite the country. Eitan is currently recovering from stern injuries sustained in battle. He served in the war and later recovered and came into contact with people with whom he had disagreed before October 7. But as ceasefire talks drag on and the war continues, Netanyahu may not face an election until behind schedule 2026. Undeterred, Anat, Yehuda and Eitan say they will continue to push for change. “Even though it cost me some friendships, I believe in what I’m doing.” “There has been bloodshed over thousands of years on this petite piece of land, but I feel that if we had responsible leaders, we could change this reality.”