Amichai Segal Confronts Shikma Bresler Over Shift in Calls for Draft Refusal

During a televised debate, Israeli commentator Amichai Segal challenged Shikma Bresler, a leading figure in the anti-government protests, on why she no longer advocates for draft refusal despite ongoing government actions she claims undermine democracy. Bresler affirmed that the government continues to damage institutions, citing recent legislative moves such as splitting the Attorney General's advisory role, the override clause, and a Basic Law on Torah study. However, she explained that her priorities have shifted since the outbreak of war, noting the Chief of Staff's warnings about opposition to the military.

Segal pressed Bresler on why she ceased calling for draft refusal after previously endorsing it during the 2023 protests. Bresler responded that individuals must allocate their efforts based on changing urgencies, implying that the current security situation demands different focus. Segal accused her of avoiding admitting that the draft refusal campaign was a strategic mistake, stating, "You are unable to admit that refusal was one step too far, which is why you are not promoting it today."

The exchange highlighted tensions within the protest movement regarding tactics and responses to the government's judicial reforms and the ongoing conflict. Bresler maintained that the government is still dismantling democratic institutions but indicated that the context has altered the protest methods. The debate underscored the complexities activists face balancing civil disobedience with national security concerns amid Israel's volatile political and military landscape.