In Israel, where democracy is under threat, the backbone of the protest movement has taken on a new role: protecting it. For many veterans of elite forces, the fight against the government's judicial overhaul plan has become their next mission. Led by organizations like "Brother and Sisters in Arms," these former soldiers are now leading the charge against what they see as an assault on Israel's democratic values.
Yiftach Golov, a veteran from a special forces reconnaissance unit, is one of them. His experience in combat hasn't prepared him for the challenges of modern protest movements, but he's determined to make his voice heard. With hundreds of thousands taking to the streets for the 13th week in a row, Golov and others like him have become an integral part of the movement.
They've learned new skills, such as organizing and mobilizing, from their military days. But it's not just about technique – it's about conviction. Golov believes that by defending Israel's democracy, he's fulfilling his duty to the nation. "We're fighting for justice and liberty," he says, echoing the American ideals that inspired the US Constitution.
Golov and fellow veterans are also using their military background to outmaneuver the government. They've taken up coordinating drummers known as the "Pink Front" – a group that's become synonymous with the protests. By leveraging these skills, they're able to create an atmosphere of urgency and momentum around the cause.
But despite the pause announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, protesters remain on the streets in large numbers. Estimates vary from 150,000 to over 230,000 people, but one thing's clear: this is a movement that won't be easily deterred.
Netanyahu says the delay will give time for "a real debate," but many see it as just another ploy to stall and avoid meaningful discussion. Golov and others are skeptical, saying they'll keep demonstrating until their demands – for genuine democratic reform and accountability from those in power – are met.
As tensions rise, Israel's veterans have proven themselves to be an unshakeable backbone of the protest movement. It remains to be seen whether this pause will truly halt the reforms or simply buy Netanyahu time to push ahead with his agenda.
Yiftach Golov, a veteran from a special forces reconnaissance unit, is one of them. His experience in combat hasn't prepared him for the challenges of modern protest movements, but he's determined to make his voice heard. With hundreds of thousands taking to the streets for the 13th week in a row, Golov and others like him have become an integral part of the movement.
They've learned new skills, such as organizing and mobilizing, from their military days. But it's not just about technique – it's about conviction. Golov believes that by defending Israel's democracy, he's fulfilling his duty to the nation. "We're fighting for justice and liberty," he says, echoing the American ideals that inspired the US Constitution.
Golov and fellow veterans are also using their military background to outmaneuver the government. They've taken up coordinating drummers known as the "Pink Front" – a group that's become synonymous with the protests. By leveraging these skills, they're able to create an atmosphere of urgency and momentum around the cause.
But despite the pause announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, protesters remain on the streets in large numbers. Estimates vary from 150,000 to over 230,000 people, but one thing's clear: this is a movement that won't be easily deterred.
Netanyahu says the delay will give time for "a real debate," but many see it as just another ploy to stall and avoid meaningful discussion. Golov and others are skeptical, saying they'll keep demonstrating until their demands – for genuine democratic reform and accountability from those in power – are met.
As tensions rise, Israel's veterans have proven themselves to be an unshakeable backbone of the protest movement. It remains to be seen whether this pause will truly halt the reforms or simply buy Netanyahu time to push ahead with his agenda.