A growing number of Israeli soldiers are speaking out against the conflict in Gaza, citing ethical dilemmas and refusing to serve further.
Vilk isn’t alone. More Israeli soldiers are stepping up, saying they can’t keep fighting because they’ve seen things that just don’t sit right with them. About 200 soldiers signed a letter saying they’d stop if the government didn’t push for a ceasefire. They think this is just the beginning and want more to join them.
With the pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end the fighting, talks for a ceasefire are happening. Even big names like President Biden and President-elect Trump are calling for a resolution soon. But the situation is tense, especially since Hamas is labeled a terrorist group by several countries.
Some soldiers shared their experiences with AP, saying they witnessed indiscriminate killings and destruction. They were even ordered to burn homes that posed no threat. It’s a tough spot because soldiers usually don’t speak out against the army, especially after the recent attacks by Hamas.
International rights groups are raising alarms about potential war crimes, and investigations are underway. Israel, however, denies these claims, insisting they try to minimize civilian harm and investigate any wrongdoing.
The army is not happy about the refusal to serve and takes it seriously. Soldiers can face jail time for this, but so far, none of those who signed the letter have been detained.
When Vilk first went into Gaza, he thought the force might lead to peace talks. But as time went on, he felt the value of life was fading. He recalls the day the teenager was killed, noting how quickly soldiers reacted without knowing if people were armed.
Some soldiers took time to process what they saw, while others were so upset they quit right away. One medic, Yuval Green, left after two months, unable to cope with the destruction he witnessed. He described how soldiers vandalized homes and looted for souvenirs, which he found deeply troubling.
The group behind the letter, Soldiers for the Hostages, is trying to gain traction and is holding events to encourage more soldiers to speak out. They believe it’s important to stand up against injustice, even if it’s unpopular.
But not everyone agrees. Some veterans feel this movement disrespects those who have fought and died. They argue that the military actions were necessary for self-defense.
Many soldiers are dealing with feelings of guilt and moral injury, struggling to reconcile their actions with their beliefs. A former soldier shared his regret over participating in what he believes were war crimes, wishing he could change the past. It’s a heavy burden for those who’ve seen the horrors of war firsthand.
