These Israelis chose jail over serving in the Israeli army

Eighteen-year-old Sofia Orr and Tal Mitnick have publicly refused to serve in the Israeli forces after 7 October. Both have moral objections to the occupation and Israel’s bombing of Gaza. In a nation where refusing to serve in the military is punishable by jail, this can be a lonely road.

In a country where military service is not only mandatory, it is seen as honourable, very few Israelis dare to refuse to serve.

Journalist Aina J. Khan looks into the history of the Israeli army, the nationalism entwined with military service, and the heavy social penalty young Israelis face for refusing to serve because of conscientious objection.

Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH

Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG

Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok:   / middleeasteye  
Follow us on Instagram:   / middleeasteye  
Like us on Facebook:   / middleeasteye  
Follow us on Twitter:   / middleeasteye