A large number of former commanders of the Israel Air Force (IAF) have penned a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding that he halt his government’s planned judicial reform program.
“We are following with deep concern the processes currently taking place in the State of Israel and in the Air Force,” they write. “Due to the special position and importance of the IAF for national security, which you are well aware of, we are worrried about the consequences of these processes and the serious and tangible danger they pose to our national security.
“Our strength is based on our cohesion, among both serving and reserve soldiers,” the former commanders continue. “Our servicemen are all motivated by a deep sense of mission and belief that our path is the correct one. We offer our support to the Air Force Commander and his staff at this difficult time, and appeal to you to halt this process and find a solution as soon as possible.”
The letter has been signed by several former commanders including Amikam Norkin, Amir Eshel, Ido Nehushstan, Eliezer Shkedi, Dan Halutz, Eitan Ben Eliyahu, and David Ivry.

Meanwhile, virtually all the reserve pilots from Israel Air Force’s 69th fighter squadron announced that they will not show up for their scheduled combat training this Wednesday in protest against the government’s planned judicial reforms. The 69th Squadron, which is called the “Hammers” Squadron, is one of Israel’s most elite fighter squadrons.
On Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the rise in cases of reserve soldiers refusing to report for reserve duty in protest of the government’s judicial reform legislation.