Israeli minister calls for immediate dismissal of soldiers who called for an end to the war on Gaza

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch called Wednesday evening for the immediate dismissal of approximately 1,000 Air Force reserve officers and soldiers, including pilots, who signed a letter calling for an end to the war on Gaza, describing their signatures as "shameful."

In a post on X, Kish said, "Involving the army in political disputes is what led to the greatest disaster that befell the State of Israel," referring to October 7, 2023.

He added: "The method of sending messages and threatening to refuse service is shameful and unacceptable."

"Anyone who signs such a letter, while still serving in the reserves, should be dismissed immediately," he continued.

Earlier on Wednesday, air force commanders threatened about 1,000 aircrew officers and soldiers, including pilots, with dismissal from service if they did not withdraw their signatures on a letter calling for an end to the war on Gaza, according to Hebrew media.

Haaretz reported that "970 Israeli Air Force aircrew members signed a letter opposing the war but not calling for a refusal to serve."