The government is risking the lives of hostages through its "politically motivated" war, states the letter signed by around 1,000 soldiers and veterans. They demand that Netanyahu's government ensures the immediate release of the hostage – even if it means that Israel must lay down its arms against the terrorist-stamped Hamas in Gaza, report Israeli media.
The Air Force chief, Tomer Bar, responds to the letter by announcing that all signatories who are active in the army will be dismissed.
Netanyahu supports Bar's decision. The letter writers are "extremists on the fringe who are trying to crush Israeli society from within", he claims.
"Refusal to bear arms is refusal to bear arms, even if it is only hinted at in flowery language", says the Prime Minister in a statement that continues:
"Statements that in wartime weaken the IDF (Israel's military) and strengthen our enemy are unforgivable."
Even Defense Minister Israel Katz directs sharp criticism against those who signed the letter, writes The Times of Israel.
