Israeli Army Suspends Dozens of Reservists Demanding Prisoner Exchange Deal
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- The Israeli military has suspended dozens of reservists who refused to continue their service unless the government negotiates a deal to secure the release of Israeli prisoners in Gaza. The decision follows a letter signed by 130 reservists urging the Israeli government to prioritize a prisoner exchange agreement with the resistance.
According to Haaretz, the suspensions were communicated to the reservists via phone calls, where military officials informed them that they would be relieved of their duties. Several of the signatories have described these calls as “threatening” or “reprimanding.” One soldier shared that his brigade commander gave him a lengthy rebuke before informing him of his suspension. Another reservist reportedly denied signing the letter when questioned by his superiors.
The reservists’ letter, addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior government officials, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, expressed frustration with the lack of progress in prisoner negotiations. The soldiers warned that they would not continue to serve unless the government made meaningful efforts toward a deal.
The Israeli prisoners of war, held since October 2023, number over 100, according to Israeli estimates. While dozens of prisoners have died in Israeli airstrikes, Israel has shown indifference towards securing their release despite pressure by mediators.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure to resolve the prisoner crisis, but he kept introducing new conditions in every agreement talks, including maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border and preventing the return of Palestinian fighters to northern Gaza. Hamas, on the other hand, insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a complete cessation of military operations.
