Defense Minister Katz Orders Removal of Democratic Party Candidate from IDF Reserves Over Draft Refusal

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that he has instructed Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir to remove Democratic Party candidate Omri Ronen from the IDF reserves. This directive follows Ronen's interview on the program "Meet the Press," where he stated he would "do everything," including refusing to report for reserve duty, as part of his political activism.

Katz strongly condemned Ronen's stance, declaring, "Refusal to serve will not return to the IDF. I will not allow the plague of draft refusal to re-enter the IDF for any reason. Zero tolerance for refusal." Katz emphasized his determination to eradicate the phenomenon of draft refusal from the military, consistent with his actions since becoming defense minister. He instructed the chief of staff to ensure that Ronen, who openly advocated refusal for political reasons, is expelled from all IDF service frameworks.

Katz added that similar measures will be taken in any future cases, underscoring that the IDF must remain apolitical and solely focused on Israel's security. The move reflects the defense establishment's firm stance against political dissent expressed through refusal to serve in the military reserves.