Reserve Soldier Ziv Burns Claims Second Dismissal from IDF Over Political Posts
Right-wing activist and IDF reservist Ziv Burns alleges he was removed again from reserve service, this time due to political statements on social media. Burns was reportedly expelled from southern Lebanon after posting sharply critical comments about IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and accusing the military of selective enforcement. This development comes just one day after he was reinstated following Defense Minister Israel Katz's intervention.
Burns stated in a Facebook video, while still in uniform, that he was dismissed not for wearing his uniform in videos, as in a previous incident, but because of his political posts online. He emphasized his intention to continue speaking out against what he calls "selective enforcement" and insisted that if political posts are prohibited for reservists, the rule should apply universally.
He also questioned the logic of his dismissal amid the IDF's reported manpower shortages, noting that others have made political propaganda while in uniform without facing similar consequences. Burns accused Chief of Staff Kochavi of political interference and selective discipline, linking the current situation to his earlier videos criticizing former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
Burns named other reservists and public figures, including Yoaz Hendel, Yonatan Galeb, and Shahar Ron, who engaged in political or public activities without facing disciplinary action, framing his case as part of a broader pattern of unequal treatment. He declared his intention to continue exposing what he perceives as problematic conduct within the IDF leadership.
This latest episode follows Burns's initial dismissal over a political video in uniform, which sparked public controversy and led Defense Minister Katz to order a review, resulting in Burns's reinstatement. The case has ignited wider debate about freedom of expression for reservists and the enforcement of military regulations in Israel.
