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

Veterans and veterans' families march through the streets of Tel Aviv, many carrying Israeli flags with modifications, as part of an ongoing protest movement in support of saving Israeli democracy.

For some, like Yiftach Golov, former special forces reconnaissance unit soldier turned veteran, joining the cause has become a matter of life or death. With protests showing no signs of slowing down, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of a pause on the legislation pending for weeks now, protesters are still pouring onto streets in vast numbers.

Golov attributes his participation to the sense of shared purpose among soldiers who have seen something go terribly wrong. He believes that they must be part of something bigger than themselves and willing to sacrifice anything required in order to protect what they believe is at stake: Israel's democracy, which he says has been dwindling in recent years.

The Israeli protest movement brings together disparate groups but is made more compelling by the support of veterans like Golov. Many are now putting skills learned in military life into the fight for justice and liberty. It has also drawn some former soldiers to become prominent organizers and demonstrators within this social upheaval.

I'm so worried about what's happening in Israel . These veterans are fighting for something that's really important - democracy . I can feel the sense of urgency from Golov, he's not just protesting because it's cool to do , but because it's his duty as a soldier and a patriot . I admire how they're all coming together, despite their differences . It's like they're saying "we've been through this together, let's stand up for what we believe in" . This is huge, not just for Israel, but for the world . We should all be supporting them in any way we can .

I'm totally stoked about these protests in Tel Aviv ! I mean, it's amazing to see veterans coming together to fight for something they truly believe in – Israel's democracy . It's not just about politics, it's about people from different walks of life uniting over a common cause . These former soldiers are using their skills to make a real difference and it's so inspiring . I think this movement is a great example of how technology can bring people together . I mean, have you seen the hashtags being used on social media? #IsraelDemocracy and #StandWithVeterans are already gaining traction . I'm rooting for these guys all the way !

I'm watching these protests in Tel Aviv and it's crazy to see all those people showing up for what they believe in . I mean, who wouldn't want to fight for their democracy? It's like, if someone took away your Netflix password, you'd be pretty upset too, right? But seriously, it's awesome that these veterans are using their skills to make a difference – I guess you could say they're 're-deploying' their experience in a good way . And who knows, maybe this is the start of something big? After all, as the saying goes, 'you can't have your cake and eat it too', but I think these protesters are trying to make the government give them a bigger slice of the pie .

I'm totally with these soldiers fighting for their country's future , it's heartbreaking to see Israel's democracy being threatened like that. I've been following this protest movement and it's insane how much support there is from veterans like Yiftach Golov... his story gives me chills . It's not just about the flags they're carrying, it's about what these soldiers are willing to sacrifice for their country. I think we can all learn a thing or two from their sense of shared purpose and willingness to stand up for what they believe in . What's scary is that protests aren't showing any signs of slowing down... I hope PM Netanyahu's pause announcement makes a real difference .

I mean, what's with all these protesters? I'm not saying they're wrong about Israel's democracy or whatever... but don't they think they should just, like, chill for a sec? All this marching around can't be good for the country, you feel? It's just gonna divide people more. And what's with the flag thing? If they want to show support, can't they just put a sticker on it or something? Make it less... militant? I'm all about freedom of speech and all that, but come on, can't we just have a calm discussion without all this drama?

I'm low-key really impressed with these Israeli protesters ! I mean, it's not every day you see veterans from all walks of life marching together for a cause they believe in. The fact that they're using their military skills to fight for justice and democracy is literally inspiring . And I love how the veteran community has become such a driving force behind this movement – it just goes to show that even those with the most extreme backgrounds can find common ground and work towards something bigger . It's also wild to see how the protests have drawn in people from all over, regardless of background or party affiliation...this is what I call real social change !

I'm loving how the Israeli protest movement is taking on a " Fight Club"-esque vibe, but instead of tearing stuff apart, they're coming together as one unit to protect their democracy . It's amazing to see former soldiers like Yiftach Golov joining the cause and using their skills for good. I'm not surprised that veterans are at the forefront of this movement - we've seen it before in other countries, like Vietnam (see "We Were Soldiers" ) where vets became a powerful voice for justice. The fact that they're using their experience to fight for something bigger than themselves is truly inspiring . It's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out - fingers crossed that Israel can find a way to save its democracy !

what's going on with this protest movement I mean, I'm all for democracy and freedom of speech, but at the same time, I can see why people would feel like their country is being eroded from within it's crazy that veterans are taking a stand like this - they've seen some pretty harsh stuff in their time, right? and now they're using those skills to fight for something bigger than themselves... it's almost inspiring? but what does it all mean for the future of Israel? will these protests lead to real change or just more unrest?

I'm literally shocked by these protests in Tel Aviv . I mean, veterans from special forces units are putting everything on the line for democracy? That's insane... but at the same time, it shows how serious they take it . For me, this is all about standing up for what you believe in and fighting for a cause that matters . It's inspiring to see people using their skills from military life to create positive change . If I'm being honest tho, I wish the gov would just listen to the ppl instead of making empty promises ... but I guess we'll keep marching on till something changes

I'm watching these protests in Tel Aviv and it's pretty intense ... I think what's driving vets like Yiftach Golov to take a stand is the sense of loss they feel, you know? They've seen something go terribly wrong with Israel's democracy, and now they're feeling like they gotta do something about it. It's not just about politics; it's personal for them. And I get why - when you've served in the military and come out the other side, you see the world differently. You understand what it means to put your life on the line for something bigger than yourself.

What's interesting is that vets are using their skills to organize protests and push back against the status quo. It's like they're applying the same discipline and strategy that worked for them in military life to this new fight. And it's not just about the military guys; it's also women, civilians... everyone's coming together to demand change. The fact that they're doing this is a testament to the power of collective action and the human spirit .