43 IDF intelligence unit reservists announce refusal to serve

Forty-three Israel Defence Force reservists assigned to intelligence functions have issued a joint letter announcing their refusal to take part in actions against Palestinians. The signers include both officers and enlisted personnel.

[W]e have concluded that as individuals who served in Unit 8200, we must take responsibility for our part in this situation and it is our moral duty to act. We cannot continue to serve this system in good conscience, denying the rights of millions of people. Therefore, those among us who are reservists, refuse to take part in the state’s actions against Palestinians. We call for all soldiers serving in the Intelligence Corps, present and future, along with all the citizens of Israel, to speak out against these injustices and to take action to bring them to an end.

The New York Times reports on the letter and its background here. The IDF says the signers will be dealt with individually. It is unclear what form of disciplinary action, if any, will be taken, although it seems highly unlikely that the government will be able to overlook the matter.

Editor's day-after postscript: The headline for the Times story today reads: "Reprisals for Israeli Soldiers Refusing to Spy." "Reprisal" seems an odd word to use to describe potential disciplinary action for military personnel suspected of an offense. End of kvetch.