IDF Chief Defends Reservist Call-Ups Amid Political Backlash Over Exemption Law

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has strongly responded to criticism following his sharp letter opposing a new law exempting draft dodgers from arrest. In closed conversations reported by Chen Artzi Sarur in Yedioth Ahronoth, Zamir emphasized that his letter was directed at the soldiers, not politicians, stating, "This week I mobilized the 55th Brigade and the 4th Brigade for 100 days of reserve duty. These reservists will not see home all July and August again. That is why I wrote the letter. I am their Chief of Staff."

Zamir's letter, sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair Boaz Bismuth, warned of severe consequences for the IDF, including harm to serving soldiers and increased inequality. Following the letter's publication, several coalition Knesset members harshly attacked Zamir, accusing him of politicizing the military and undermining public morale. Shas leader Aryeh Deri claimed Zamir "lost it" and accused him of aiding the left-wing bloc during election season, while MK Tali Gottlieb tweeted that Zamir should "know his place" and suggested firing him immediately.

In private remarks, Zamir recounted an emotional conversation with the wife of a commander from the 4th Brigade, highlighting the heavy toll on families over the past three years. He stressed his commitment to the soldiers, both regular and reservists, as his primary motivation alongside defending the country.

The main trigger for Zamir's outcry was Section 26 of the new legislation, which requires the Chief of Staff to establish a committee to determine who qualifies as a "Torah scholar" exempt from arrest. This places the burden on IDF commanders to decide which detainees receive exemption cards and which remain imprisoned, a responsibility Zamir and senior officials deem unacceptable.

Meanwhile, three critical military bills, the extension of service, reserve duty law, and immediate recruitment law, have not been brought to a vote, leaving the IDF in a difficult position. The Supreme Court has temporarily frozen the exemption law, but political criticism continues unabated.