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Israeli military intelligence officers have publicly declared their refusal to follow what they consider to be “clearly illegal” orders from the government, stating they will cease participation in combat operations in Gaza. Addressing a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and the head of the military, a group of 41 officers and reservists accuses the government of engaging in an “unnecessary, eternal war” in Gaza.
This letter, which surfaced online, indicates the signatories’ intention to disobey any directive that they believe is aimed at maintaining Netanyahu’s rule and pleasing “anti-democratic and messianic” elements within his government. While the identities of the officers remain undisclosed, they identify themselves as members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s intelligence directorate. This directorate has been instrumental in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, particularly through the selection of bombing targets.
The officers highlight the adverse effects on civilians in Gaza, asserting that when governments act with ulterior motives resulting in the loss of innocent lives, the orders issued are inherently against the law and should not be followed. They also claim that Netanyahu’s government’s decision to abandon a ceasefire deal has effectively sentenced Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza to death, noting that many hostages have already perished due to IDF bombardments.
This stance is championed by the anti-war group “Soldiers for the Hostages,” reflecting a growing divide within sections of the military concerning the war in Gaza and the rising instances of soldiers refusing their duties. An intelligence officer noted that their goal is for others to question the legitimacy of the operation and the government itself, emphasizing the senselessness of the conflict and the suffering it inflicts on everyone involved.
The Israeli military has been invited to comment on these claims.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/11/israeli-government-orders-must-not-be-obeyed-idf-intelligence-officers
