Ex-IDF Chief Halevi Reveals Dramatic Netanyahu Conversation on Reservist Refusals

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi disclosed in a meeting with bereaved families that he proposed dismissing reservists who refused to report for duty during the judicial reform crisis, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently refused. The revelation, reported by Channel 12 on Saturday, stems from a recent meeting Halevi had with a small group of bereaved families seeking answers, particularly regarding the lack of a state inquiry into the October 7th massacre.

Halevi recounted that after the Knesset approved a key law related to the judicial overhaul, he met with Netanyahu and warned him that Israel was in a dangerous zone. Halevi requested that the Prime Minister issue a positive statement towards reservists and ask ministers to stop attacking them, but Netanyahu did not agree. "Stop attacking the reservists," Halevi reportedly told Netanyahu.

At a later point, Halevi directly asked Netanyahu if he wanted him to dismiss all the reservist refusers. According to Halevi, Netanyahu responded sharply, "Absolutely not! That will bring a bigger wave, don't do it." Halevi contrasted this private conversation with Netanyahu's public statements at the time, claiming the Prime Minister spoke against him and the military publicly, while speaking differently in private.

Halevi added that even after their conversation, Netanyahu continued to publicly criticize the military, stating it was not doing enough. Neither the Prime Minister's office nor Halevi's representatives chose to comment on the report.