A government supporter has been removed from military reserve service following political statements, in a controversy that has exposed tensions within Israel’s defence establishment. Ziv Barnes, a vocal government ally, had his reserve duty terminated due to remarks he made, prompting him to contact the Defence Minister’s office seeking intervention.
Exposed correspondence reveals that an aide to Defence Minister Yoav Gallant requested that Barnes release a video declaring “the truth” — specifically that the Defence Minister had intervened to prevent his dismissal from the reserves. The request appeared designed to create public relations material supporting the minister’s involvement in the matter.
Barnes was subsequently dismissed from the reserves a second time, further straining an already tense relationship. A spokesperson for the Defence Minister’s office rejected suggestions of ministerial involvement, stating: “The Defence Minister did not deal with this matter.”
The incident highlights ongoing disputes over political expression within Israel’s military reserves system and raises questions about the separation between military discipline and political pressure.
Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.
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