In a rare public display of dissent, the Israeli military has dismissed two reserve officers—Mikhael Mayer, a military intelligence officer, and Alon Gor, a combat pilot—after they refused to participate in the ongoing military operations in Gaza. Their refusal, rooted in opposition to the Israeli government’s policies, has sparked debate and highlighted internal tensions within the Israeli armed forces.

Mikhael Mayer, who openly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, described them as "dirty traitors" in a social media post. He accused the government of prioritising political interests over the lives of Israeli hostages and soldiers, as well as the broader well-being of the state. Mayer’s dismissal came after he declared his refusal to serve, stating, “The best thing that will help defend the people is refusing to participate in the fighting, serving a group of Netanyahu's traitors, which is entirely contrary to the interests of the people of Israel.”

Mayer emphasised that his decision was not taken lightly. “The easiest thing for people like me is to continue obeying. I could have continued serving, and I could have easily avoided it with various excuses. My choice to publicly express my position is a difficult one, but it’s the right choice,” he said. He further condemned the government’s actions, accusing it of abandoning hostages, sending soldiers to die needlessly, and perpetuating Israel’s decline.

Similarly, Alon Gor, a combat pilot, was dismissed after publicly refusing to serve, citing the government’s decision to resume military operations in Gaza. Gor expressed his disillusionment, stating, “The line was crossed when the government returned to deliberately abandon its citizens in broad daylight, when political considerations took precedence over everything else, when human life lost its value, and when the government targeted its own defenders.”

The dismissals of Mayer and Gor underscore a growing wave of dissent within the Israeli military, as some officers openly challenge the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict. For Palestinians, these developments highlight the human cost of the ongoing offensive, which has resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life in Gaza. The internal criticism within the Israeli military also raises questions about the sustainability of the current approach and the broader implications for the region.

As the conflict continues, the voices of dissent within Israel’s armed forces serve as a reminder of the complex moral and political dilemmas faced by those involved, while Palestinians endure the devastating consequences of a war that shows no signs of abating.