Israeli Reservists' Threat to Quit Over Judicial Overhaul Sparks Calls for Defense Minister's Resignation

Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot has called on Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to resign over the coalition's controversial judicial overhaul, which curtails judicial oversight over government decisions. Tens of thousands of reserve soldiers, including pilots, have threatened not to volunteer for service due to concerns about the impact on the IDF's battle readiness. Eisenkot criticized Gallant for not preventing the law's passage and urged him to show more responsibility. Despite the protests, the Knesset ratified the law, and Gallant explained that he voted for it to stay at the wheel during this time. Eisenkot also criticized a bill protecting army exemptions for ultra-Orthodox community members, warning it could be the end of the IDF as an army of the people. The National Unity party will not join negotiations on the judicial overhaul and hopes to overthrow the government. President Isaac Herzog made last-minute efforts to reach an agreement but faced challenges on the timeline.