Netanyahu calls Israeli Air Force letter signatories ‘fringe extremists’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the Israeli Air Force chief's decision to dismiss any active reservists who signed a letter criticising Israel's war on Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.

“Refusal to serve is refusal to serve, even if it’s only hinted at in whitewashed language,” Netanyahu said in a statement, saying that statements that weaken the Israeli military and strengthen its enemies in a time of war are unforgivable.

The signatories to the letter said they are not calling for refusal to serve in the war but demanding the return of all captives and an end to the war, which currently serves "political and personal interests".

Netanyahu said the signatories "are a group of fringe extremists who are trying once again to break Israeli society from within".