I have never believed that all IDF members are cold blooded killers and I don't feel qualified to estimate the percent of IDF soldiers who are "bad apples".
I was not even surprised to read that about 350,000 Israelis protested Netanyahu's genocide in Tel Aviv recently.
Even though I served in an unpopular war when returning Veterans and soldiers were not well received, I never resented those who chose not to serve.
I especially respect the courage of young Israelis who chose not to be part of an Internationally condemned genocide opposed by by Jews and non Jews, alike.
Finally, in spite of the fact that I feel the atrocities committed by the right wing element in the Netanyahu government are inexcusably heinous, I genuinely regret that young Israelis are put into such impossible situations that they are driven to end their young lives.
Hamas can come and Hamas may go but Netanyahu's gang is guaranteeing Israel's misery well into the future.
Thanks,
"‘I would prefer this over killing children:’ Why some Israeli teens are choosing jail over the army"
EXCERPT "His crime? Refusing to enlist after being summoned for military service, which is compulsory for most Jewish Israelis - and some minorities - over the age of 18.
Greenberg said his refusal to serve came as the “culmination of a long process of learning and moral reckoning.”
“The more I learned, the more I knew I couldn’t wear a uniform that symbolizes killing and oppression,” he said, explaining that Israel’s war in Gaza - which was launched after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023 - solidified his decision to refuse.
“There is genocide,” he said. “So we don’t need good reasons (to refuse).”
CONTINUED