Damage to the combat competency of Israel’s defense establishment due to some army reservists refusing to report for duty has become the focal point of the battle over judicial reform.
But there might be some disconnect between the true severity of the situation and how the media is portraying it.
True to form, the mainstream media is pushing a “dramatic” narrative, and they ramped it up on Sunday when Israel’s N12 news portal presented a major scoop:
The heads of Israel’s three main security organs–the IDF, the Mossad and the Shin Bet (Israel’s FBI)–would sidestep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and report directly to the public regarding the crisis.
According to N12, which cited “sources” within the defense establishment, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar were considering the move following Netanyahu’s refusal to let them directly update his cabinet on this particular matter. A few weeks ago, several cabinet ministers reportedly asked about the damage to the IDF’s combat readiness, and Netanyahu was said to reject any discussion on the matter for fear details would leak to the media.
The only problem with N12’s shocking new revelation is that it’s not true, at least not according to Halevi, Barnea and Bar, all of whom immediately issued denials and condemnations of what amounted to fake news.
The Mossad boss was most verbose in his response, stating: “The report on coordination between the security services regarding an impairment of military readiness is incorrect and does not reflect the position of the Director of the Mossad, which he expresses in security forums and to the political leadership, and not in the media.”
While the media is paying a lot of attention to groups of reservists, including some Air Force pilots, who are refusing to report for duty in protest over judicial reform, some have complained that much larger groups of soldiers committed to defending Israel no matter the circumstances are effectively being ignored.
In other words, yes, it’s troubling that some are saying they won’t serve unless their idea of democracy is served, but the reality is that the vast majority of IDF soldiers remain dedicated to the defense of the Jewish state.
See: The other side of the reform struggle that nobody reports on
Will Netanyahu Resume a Judicial Reform That’s Tearing Israel Apart?
My neighbor, the Minister of Justice
“Jewish and Racist”: Anti-Government Protests Shift Focus to “Occupation”
ANALYSIS: The Iranian resistance axis and the unrest in Israel
One of Israel’s darkest nights, but the testing has just begun
President Herzog issues Tisha B’Av plea to Israelis: Tone down the protests!
Where does Netanyahu really stand on judicial reform?
Nobel Prize Winner Is in Favor of Israel’s Judicial Reform
‘March of the Million’ Shatters Opposition Claim Nation Opposes Judicial Reform
The coalition and the opposition both have to lose in order to save the nation
Israeli FM Slams Kamala Harris: “She Can’t Name Even One Thing”
‘Barak detailed plans to bring down government three years ago’
Knesset Advances Bill to Nix ‘Reasonableness’ Standard
Israel’s Reformers Look to US as Model for Selecting Judges
Supreme Court-Knesset showdown as justices put Basic Law in crosshairs
Day of high drama in the Knesset
Israel’s military intelligence warns Benjamin Netanyahu
Violence in the Name of Democracy?
Netanyahu: IDF Refusals the Real Threat to Democracy
Protests in Jerusalem ahead of final votes on ‘reasonableness’ bill
Professors Condemn Anti-Reform ‘Revolutionaries’ for Rending Israel’s Social Fabric
Tachles with Aviel – Everyone wants to be right, but nobody seeks justice
The day after
What Is the Kohelet Forum, the Organization Behind Israel’s Judicial Reform?
“Bibi, Don’t Be Afraid of the Left!”
Netanyahu, Levin reportedly seeking to halt judicial reform
A little perspective, please: Israel did not cancel judicial review
Netanyahu assures Americans that Israel is still a democracy
Modiin Is No Longer a Bedroom Community
Even in the Bible, Reform-Minded Israeli Leaders Were Unpopular
Typically Thought a ‘Silent Majority,’ Government Supporters Rally in Tel Aviv
Paradox of Laws & Outlaws, and a Prophesied Solution
The Struggle for Judicial Reform in Israel Continues
‘Don’t trample our vote’: Reform supporters rally outside Supreme Court
Tachles With Aviel – Hear Your Neighbor as Yourself
The other side of the reform struggle that nobody reports on
S&P Maintains Israel’s High Credit Rating
Republican Party, or Jewish Heritage – What’s Guiding Israel’s Judicial Reform?
Why there will be no civil war in Israel
Estimated 600,000 Supporters of Judicial Reform Gather Outside Knesset
Can Israelis be trusted with democracy?
How the West misperceives Israel’s judicial reform
Protest Movement Fails Netanyahu’s ‘Reasonableness’ Test
Security group to IDF: Take tougher stand against refusal to serve
NYT admits the problem isn’t Israel’s judicial reform, it’s who’s doing it
A ‘Resistance’ Coup Just Defeated Israeli Democracy
Rabbi harassed on Tel Aviv streets; Barak: “There will be blood”
Tachles with Aviel – Conscription or judicial reform?
Are the Protests Against Judicial Reform Escalating in Israel?
How good are US-Israel relations?
What Orthodox Jews Think of the Controversial Supreme Court Reforms
Supreme Court’s power waxing as judicial reform falters
Tachles with Aviel – Everyone thinks they are doing the nation a favor
Upside down: Judicial reform supporters gather in Tel Aviv, opponents in Jerusalem
President Herzog Says Israel Needs Judicial Reform
Israel Today Membership
Monthly Membership
Yearly Membership
Save 18% Per Month.
Six Months Membership
Save 9% Per Month.
One response to “Genuine crisis, or media hype? Is Israel’s military unfit for action?”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The left in Israel, as in the rest of the world, is all about rebellion that will bring the new world order into complete power. It is an order of lawlessness and anarchy, and will be short lived. It is a sad thing that billions of people will be sacrificed so one person can rule the world for one hour, but, the left thinks it is a good thing so they are going for the one hour prize.