Israeli military veterans, a backbone of protest movement, vow to keep demonstrating | CNN

Veterans from Israel's elite military forces are taking a stand against the government's proposed judicial overhaul plan, joining millions of protesters in the streets every week. For them, it's not just about defending democracy - it's also personal.

Yiftach Golov, a veteran of a special forces reconnaissance unit, says he's fighting for justice and liberty, values that have been lacking in Israel for decades. He's part of a group called "Brother and Sisters in Arms," which includes many other veterans who are using their military skills to organize protests and demonstrations.

The group is known for its bold tactics, including carrying a figure wrapped in the Israeli flag on a stretcher - a symbol of how they would carry a wounded comrade off the field. They're also using social media to mobilize support and coordinate their efforts.

While some veterans have taken the drastic step of refusing to train or serve in protest of the government's plans, Golov says he hasn't yet done so. However, he understands the motivation behind it - the feeling that they're part of something bigger than themselves, willing to sacrifice anything for the cause.

The pressure from Israel's veteran community has been a key factor in the government's decision to pause the legislation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he would delay votes on the remaining laws until after the Passover recess in April. However, many protesters don't believe the pause is real or that it's just a stalling tactic.

For Golov and his fellow veterans, the fight is far from over. They're determined to see the overhaul of Israel's judiciary through, but only if it means protecting democracy and ensuring that the country remains a functional state. As Golov put it, "We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel will stay a democratic country."

I gotta say, I'm so inspired by these brave Israeli veterans who are standing up for what they believe in ! It's amazing to see how their military background is being used to fight for justice and democracy. I mean, who would've thought that the guys who protected Israel's borders for years would become its biggest advocates for change?

It's also really cool to see them using social media to mobilize support and coordinate their efforts . And their tactics are super bold – I love how they're using a symbol of carrying a wounded comrade as a reminder of the sacrifices they'd make for their country .

I'm definitely keeping an eye on this situation, hoping that it all works out in favor of democracy and human rights . The fact that some veterans have even refused to train or serve shows just how serious they are about this issue... and I gotta respect that

I don’t usually comment but... I think these veterans are really showing bravery by taking a stand for what they believe in . I mean, can you imagine putting your life on the line for something you care about? It's crazy to see how passionate they are about this issue, and it's not just about defending democracy - it's personal for them too .

I also think it's really cool that they're using their military skills to organize protests and demonstrations. I mean, who better to show the government what they're capable of than someone who's been in a special forces reconnaissance unit?

At the same time, I get why some people might be skeptical about the pause - like, is it just a way for the government to stall for time or something? But hey, if it gets them closer to what they want, then I'm all for it .

oh man i'm so done with these politicians they can't even make up their minds about what's good for the country! like come on netanyahu delay votes till after passover recess already? it's like they're trying to stall forever and meanwhile these brave veterans are risking everything for their freedom and democracy yiftach golov is literally a hero for standing up against this government plan, i mean who needs 100% certainty that the country will stay democratic? what even is that? it's all about being part of something bigger than themselves, and i gotta respect that but at the same time, can we please just get some real change around here? not just stalling tactics

I'm totally fascinated by this whole situation . I mean, you've got these guys, veterans who have fought for their country, who are now fighting for something they believe in - democracy. It's like, what's the real cost of all that bravery and sacrifice? These veterans aren't just protesting for a cause, they're personalizing it. For Yiftach Golov and others, it's not just about justice or liberty; it's about feeling part of something bigger than themselves, willing to make sacrifices for it.

The idea of "Brother and Sisters in Arms" is so powerful . Using social media to mobilize support and coordinate efforts - that's the kind of grassroots movement we need more of. And I've got to say, their tactics are both inspiring and worrying . This isn't just about waving flags; it's about real action.

The government's pause on the legislation is definitely a temporary reprieve , but will it be enough? Only time will tell. What I find really interesting here is that for these veterans, it's not just about winning or losing; it's about ensuring Israel remains a functional democracy. As Golov said, "We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel will stay a democratic country." That takes courage and conviction . It shows that they're committed to this cause, even if it means putting everything on the line.

I gotta say, I'm loving this whole veterans taking a stand against their government thing . It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we fought for our country, now it's time to fight for its values.' And I get why Golov and his crew are so passionate about this - democracy is all about having the right to speak up and make your voice heard.

But at the same time, it's kinda interesting how some of these vets have taken drastic measures by refusing to train or serve, just to make a point . I mean, I can see why they'd wanna do that if they feel like their government is trying to undermine democracy. But what happens next? Does the country just grind to a halt?

It's also gotta be said that these protests are bringing some real attention to the issue . And hey, at least Netanyahu has acknowledged the pressure and agreed to pause the legislation... for now . Still, I'll believe it when I see it .

The Israeli veteran community is taking a bold stance against the government's judicial overhaul plan . Their actions, though not without controversy, demonstrate a commitment to defending democracy and personal values that have been eroded over time. The tactics employed by "Brother and Sisters in Arms" may be seen as extreme, but they highlight the depth of feeling among veterans about this issue.

The fact that many are refusing to train or serve is a powerful statement, showcasing the willingness to sacrifice for a cause. Golov's stance on deactivation only when Israel's democracy is ensured shows the level of conviction among the veteran community. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and if the government can find a way to balance progress with democratic values .

I'm getting these vibes that things are about to get really intense in Israel . I mean, veterans taking a stand against their government is crazy enough, but when you add the fact that they're using social media and tactical moves like carrying a flag wrapped figure on a stretcher... it's like something out of a movie . And for Yiftach Golov to say he won't deactivate until Israel stays democratic is just wow . It's like he's willing to put everything on the line for that cause. I'm reminded of the 60s and 70s when activists were fighting against apartheid in South Africa... it's crazy how this all feels so familiar . Anyway, I hope they're able to make some real progress without any more bloodshed .

OMG u guyz!!!! I cant even right now... I mean I feel so bad for these vetrans theyre literally putting everything on the line for whats right. Like I get it, its not just about defending democracy its about their personal values too and its kinda heartbreaking that the gov is being like "nah we dont care about that"

And can we talk about this group "Brother and Sisters in Arms"? theyre literally using military skills to organize protests and it's so inspiring I mean I've never seen anything like it. And the symbol with the figure wrapped in the Israeli flag on a stretcher? its giving me all the feels

I'm not surprised that the gov is pausing the legislation tho... theyre trying to avoid any backlash and keep the peace, but honestly who can trust them rn? The pressure from the vetrans did it though lol

I can feel the passion and determination in those veterans' words . It's heartbreaking to see them fighting for something they believe in, especially when it comes to their own personal experiences with the Israeli government's actions . Their bravery is inspiring, and I'm sending all my support and love to Yiftach Golov and the entire "Brother and Sisters in Arms" group . It's clear that they won't back down until they've achieved real change . I hope their efforts will lead to a better future for Israel, where justice, liberty, and democracy can thrive . Keep speaking out, guys! Your voices matter .

omg, what's with these vets being so extra ? like, I get they're passionate about justice and all, but carrying a figure on a stretcher down the street just looks hella dramatic . and can't they just, like, organize online or something? social media is for everyone, not just 40-year-old men with PTSD . seriously tho, gotta respect their dedication to democracy - we all need to stay woke about this whole thing . btw, have you seen the vids of these protests? some of those protesters are just...wow

I don’t usually comment but... I feel really sorry for these Israeli veterans who are risking their careers and possibly even their freedom to stand up against the government's plan. It's like, they're fighting not just for democracy but also for the principles of justice and liberty that have been lacking in Israel for decades . I mean, can you imagine being part of an elite military unit and then having to choose between your country and what you believe in?

And I love how they're using social media and bold tactics to mobilize support and coordinate their efforts. It's like, they're not just protesting for the sake of it but also to make a point and bring attention to this important issue . As a neutral observer, it's hard not to be impressed by their determination and bravery .

At the same time, I can understand why some protesters are skeptical about the government's pause on the legislation. It's like, you can't really trust politicians when they say they're doing something out of the goodness of their hearts . But hey, at least it's a start, and maybe this will lead to real change in the end .