These words are aimed at the group that refuses to serve in the territories.
I implore you to renege on your protest refusal to serve in the territories. I am saying this even though I share and identify with your motives; I share your sharp criticism of the bitter reality created by Israel’s rule of occupation and repression of 3 million Palestinians.
You wish, rightfully, to protest. You wish to establish a broad popular movement that would force the leaders of the country to change their policy and quickly leave the Palestinian-populated areas. You believe that after 35 years of occupation, Israel has reached its 12th hour; continuing the current situation not only corrupts our nation but also threatens our very national existence.
Nonetheless, renege; this is not the way. The extreme measure you have chosen constitutes throwing away the baby with the bath water. You have chosen a path that stands in absolute contrast with your stated goal.
I do not like the conscientious objectors. I believe anyone who refuses to put on a uniform and carry arms in Israel is a parasite who wishes to lead a comfortable life while others do the dirty work. Still, I can understand (if not justify) their extreme pacifist position against the use of violence, even if it is used for self-defense.
Not so in your case. Each of you has served in the best combat units. I am sure you have done it out of awareness of the need to defend our borders and protect the people. For that purpose, you have been an important factor in the security system that protects and ensures the realization of the Zionist vision.
Two principles provide that security system with the basis for its ability to fulfill its mission properly:
*Absolute loyalty to the civilian authority, which was elected by the people to lead the nation; absolute loyalty even if you personally did not vote for that leadership, did not support it, or do not agree with one or another of its decisions, as long as it is not manifestly illegal.
*Strict adherence to the apolitical nature of the system. The policy is determined from above; the security echelon is in charge of executing its missions in the best professional way, and all, from right and left, share in the loyal fulfillment of those decisions.
Anyone who creates a law for himself and refuses to serve in the areas of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip for reasons of morals and conscience is encouraging his comrades to refuse orders issued by the elected political echelon that go against their conscience.
Such orders might be that you are called upon to evacuate settlers and settlements or end the occupation and leave the territories. Stop and think; don’t you understand this is the beginning of the end? Renege, without giving up the contents of your protest.
Fulfill your jobs loyally and prove that despite the harsh reality, you can act differently. You can carry out the security missions in the territories without losing your humanity. Refuse to carry out illegal orders and make public every refusal of that sort.
Furthermore, demonstrate in every other way in order to change the policy; there are countless ways to do so. Try to create a new political movement or join existing ones and try to change their policies from within.
You have the full right to act to change policy and change the current leadership, but do it in the one and only permitted way: at the polling booth!