Israeli military veterans have taken center stage in the ongoing protest movement against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan, vowing to continue demonstrating until their demands are met.
Yiftach Golov, a veteran of elite forces who previously focused on biophysics, has joined thousands of like-minded individuals - many of whom were once part of Israel's defense forces - in protesting the government's plans. They hold brown flags with the logo "Brother and Sisters in Arms," symbolizing their commitment to saving Israeli democracy.
Golov, who served in a special forces reconnaissance unit during the second intifada, initially remained apolitical but became involved in the protests after witnessing the devastating impact of the government's judicial overhaul plan. His motivation is rooted in his sense of duty and responsibility to protect Israel's democratic values, which he believes are being threatened.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty," Golov explained, echoing American ideals. "We reclaim our flag, symbolizing that we stand for something greater than ourselves."
Military veterans like Golov have employed their combat training skills to organize and mobilize the protests, using tactics learned on the battlefield to amplify their message.
The protest movement has garnered significant attention from Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced a pause in the legislation. However, many protesters question whether this delay is genuine or simply a stalling tactic.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel's state will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said, emphasizing his commitment to protecting democracy at all costs.
The presence of military veterans has undoubtedly influenced the protest movement, with their skills and experience lending credibility to the cause. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu's pause in the legislation is sufficient to address protesters' concerns or if a more significant shift will occur in the near future.
Yiftach Golov, a veteran of elite forces who previously focused on biophysics, has joined thousands of like-minded individuals - many of whom were once part of Israel's defense forces - in protesting the government's plans. They hold brown flags with the logo "Brother and Sisters in Arms," symbolizing their commitment to saving Israeli democracy.
Golov, who served in a special forces reconnaissance unit during the second intifada, initially remained apolitical but became involved in the protests after witnessing the devastating impact of the government's judicial overhaul plan. His motivation is rooted in his sense of duty and responsibility to protect Israel's democratic values, which he believes are being threatened.
"We're fighting for justice and liberty," Golov explained, echoing American ideals. "We reclaim our flag, symbolizing that we stand for something greater than ourselves."
Military veterans like Golov have employed their combat training skills to organize and mobilize the protests, using tactics learned on the battlefield to amplify their message.
The protest movement has garnered significant attention from Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced a pause in the legislation. However, many protesters question whether this delay is genuine or simply a stalling tactic.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel's state will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said, emphasizing his commitment to protecting democracy at all costs.
The presence of military veterans has undoubtedly influenced the protest movement, with their skills and experience lending credibility to the cause. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu's pause in the legislation is sufficient to address protesters' concerns or if a more significant shift will occur in the near future.