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After months of warfare on multiple fronts, Israeli soldiers and generals are turning their backs on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling potential mutiny within the army.

In October, Ron Weiner was wounded in southern Lebanon.

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Weiner, who once dreamed of becoming an infantry officer like his father, was injured last year and has now chosen a different path. He refuses to report for another reserve tour, potentially in Gaza, disgusted by a war that has claimed over 59,000 Palestinian lives.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the 26-year-old said: “When the bombing of Gaza resumed, it became clear to me that our government wanted to prolong this war for as long as possible, not end it.”

He added: “That’s when I realized I couldn’t go back to serve in this war.”

Weiner was sentenced to 25 days in prison for refusing service, and his actions appear part of a growing trend among young Israeli reservists unwilling to participate in the Gaza war.

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Rejecting the War

Most soldiers reportedly ignore their call-ups, citing forgotten emails, health issues, or family emergencies.

According to Weiner, images of starving children in Gaza are discouraging more and more soldiers from responding.

His disillusionment reflects the opinion of a growing number of senior active and retired officers who have turned against the war.

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General Assaf Orion, former head of strategic planning for the IDF, told The Telegraph that while wars against Iran and Hezbollah had clear strategic aims, this is no longer the case in Gaza.

He said: “I believe the main reason for the prolonged war in Gaza is political interest.”

Eran Etzion, former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council, was even more direct: “It’s been clear to most Israelis for a long time that the main reason the Gaza war continues is Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political, personal, and legal interests.” He added that Netanyahu “needs the war to maintain and strengthen his grip on power.”

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Growing Rift

Many believe Netanyahu fears the collapse of his coalition if the war ends, as far-right parties might abandon him.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is said to believe that continuing the war is pointless, especially at the risk of the lives of some 20 hostages still held in Gaza.

A few days ago, the Israeli negotiation team returned empty-handed from Doha, amid growing pessimism about reaching any agreement. Meanwhile, Israel’s international reputation continues to suffer, with long-time allies like the UK, France, Canada, and Australia condemning the famine in Gaza.

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Amid this crisis, conflicting positions are emerging within Israel. Zamir reportedly opposes Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s plan to relocate all Gazan civilians to a so-called “humanitarian city” built on the ruins of Rafah.

Zamir is also reportedly concerned about shielding his officers from potential war crime charges, fearing the plan might amount to forced displacement.

The proposal appears unpalatable to senior generals already angered by the military’s central role in the new U.S.-backed aid distribution system—especially as the UN accuses Israeli forces of killing over 1,000 civilians near these distribution points.

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Disappearance

Given all this, frustration within the army is mounting.

Although official data remains classified, some political groups believe that only 60% of reservists are reporting for duty. Most of those absent engage in what’s known as “gray refusal,” citing personal issues or leaving the country and claiming not to have checked their email.

Outright political refusals remain rare but are increasing, evidenced by a growing number of open letters from reservists condemning Netanyahu’s handling of the war.

With troop numbers falling, some officers are reportedly reaching out to reservists on social media to plead for their return.

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