Two Israeli teenagers refuse to enlist in army to protest war in Gaza
Soul Behar Tsalik and Iddo Elam, both 18, arrived at the Tel Hashomer base on Wednesday and declared their refusal to enlist in the military as conscientious objectors.
In a statement explaining his decision, Tsalik said “for the sake of humanity and the safety of all, this must stop”.
“As a result of the increased military presence in Gaza, an unprecedented number of lives have been lost: soldiers, fathers, mothers, hostages, children, and civilians – both Israelis and Palestinians,” he said.
“We must shift from violent confrontation to a political solution. Only then can we begin to build a lasting peace. No more sirens, no more kidnappings, no more wars, and no more death. All of this is possible, but only if we leave Gaza,” he added.
In his own statement, Elam said “this is the moment to refuse, to work against them and enlist for peace”.
“The future is in our hands. Change has to come from us. As long as we continue to enlist, follow orders and enact our government’s rotten goals, we will live in a reality of war, annexation and hate,” he said.
A solidarity demonstration by activists from Mesarvot, a refuser network, and the Young Communist League of Israel (Banki) was held outside the Tel Hashomer base as the pair entered.
Tsalik and Elam are expected to serve jail time in a military prison.
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