Israel's veteran protest leaders are putting their lives on the line to save the country's democracy, vows of continued action echoing through the streets as demonstrations continue unabated.
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv, with a sea of Israeli flags waving high above the crowds. Among them was Yiftach Golov, a former elite forces operative who now fights for justice and liberty, just like America's founding story. The brown flag bearing his group, "Brother and Sisters in Arms," is a stark contrast to the traditional Israeli banner.
"We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness to defend Israel," Golov said, as he wove through the protesters on Kaplan street. For him, it's not just about saving democracy but also about reclaiming the values that have been lacking in recent years.
Golov has a personal connection to the cause - during the second intifada, he served in a special forces reconnaissance unit and was never particularly political until the protest movement began. But when he attended one of the demonstrations, he knew he had to act. Now, as part of "Brother and Sisters in Arms," Golov is using skills learned in the military - how to organize, mobilize, and put himself in harm's way for the cause.
The group is made up of veterans from elite forces units who have taken up arms again to fight for justice and liberty. They believe that if they're willing to sacrifice their careers, health, or mental well-being, then so too should others be willing to do the same for a higher cause.
Israel's protest movement has been met with varying degrees of success, but the pressure from veterans like Golov is undeniably a key factor in pushing the government to act. Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause on the legislation, citing "the present security situation." However, many protesters remain skeptical, claiming that this is simply a stalling tactic to give Netanyahu breathing room.
The group's determination is palpable, with some even threatening not to train or serve if their demands are not met. Golov echoed this sentiment, saying, "We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country."
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear - Israel's veterans are committed to fighting for democracy and justice, even if it means putting their lives on the line. Their actions have already had an impact, with Netanyahu agreeing to delay votes on the legislation until after the Passover recess in April.
But despite the pause, protesters remain in the streets in large numbers, with estimates suggesting up to 230,000 people took part in Saturday's demonstration. It's clear that for many, this is just the beginning of a long and difficult fight - but also a fight worth fighting.
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv, with a sea of Israeli flags waving high above the crowds. Among them was Yiftach Golov, a former elite forces operative who now fights for justice and liberty, just like America's founding story. The brown flag bearing his group, "Brother and Sisters in Arms," is a stark contrast to the traditional Israeli banner.
"We believe this is our responsibility to go once again called to the flag of the nation to stop this madness to defend Israel," Golov said, as he wove through the protesters on Kaplan street. For him, it's not just about saving democracy but also about reclaiming the values that have been lacking in recent years.
Golov has a personal connection to the cause - during the second intifada, he served in a special forces reconnaissance unit and was never particularly political until the protest movement began. But when he attended one of the demonstrations, he knew he had to act. Now, as part of "Brother and Sisters in Arms," Golov is using skills learned in the military - how to organize, mobilize, and put himself in harm's way for the cause.
The group is made up of veterans from elite forces units who have taken up arms again to fight for justice and liberty. They believe that if they're willing to sacrifice their careers, health, or mental well-being, then so too should others be willing to do the same for a higher cause.
Israel's protest movement has been met with varying degrees of success, but the pressure from veterans like Golov is undeniably a key factor in pushing the government to act. Last Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause on the legislation, citing "the present security situation." However, many protesters remain skeptical, claiming that this is simply a stalling tactic to give Netanyahu breathing room.
The group's determination is palpable, with some even threatening not to train or serve if their demands are not met. Golov echoed this sentiment, saying, "We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel state will stay a functional democratic country."
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear - Israel's veterans are committed to fighting for democracy and justice, even if it means putting their lives on the line. Their actions have already had an impact, with Netanyahu agreeing to delay votes on the legislation until after the Passover recess in April.
But despite the pause, protesters remain in the streets in large numbers, with estimates suggesting up to 230,000 people took part in Saturday's demonstration. It's clear that for many, this is just the beginning of a long and difficult fight - but also a fight worth fighting.
. I mean, it's crazy to think they're putting their lives on the line for what they believe in. It's like my uncle used to say when he was in his activist days, "if you don't stand up for what's right, who will?" These guys are literally putting everything on the line for a better future for Israel - it's truly inspiring 
. And I gotta say, I'm loving the diversity of the protesters too, with all those different flags waving around - it's like a big ol' display of unity and determination 
. Now, I know some people might be thinking that Netanyahu is just trying to stall for time, but from where I'm sitting, I think this pause is actually a good thing - at least the gov't is listening, right? 
I'm seeing the same thing in many countries where corruption & power struggles can lead to total erosion of democracy... it's like a domino effect 
. What worries me more though, is that these brave veterans are basically saying they're willing to put their lives on the line for this cause 
. Not everyone has that kind of courage or willingness to sacrifice everything for something they believe in. Still, you gotta respect them for standing up against what's happening in Israel 
. It's a reminder that real change often starts with individuals taking a stand and refusing to back down 
.
The bravery of Israel's veteran protest leaders like Yiftach Golov is truly inspiring... or should I say, humbling? 
Or is it something even more precious?
I cant even begin 2 express how proud i am of these Israeli protest leaders!!! 
Yiftach Golov is literally a hero 
Their determination & commitment 2 their cause is truly inspiring 
#Progress. But let's keep pushing for real change, not just temporary solutions 
.
. Their bravery and conviction are truly inspiring 
. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these veterans' actions will continue to push for real change 
.
They're literally putting their lives on the line to stand up for what they believe in. I've been following this protest movement closely and it's insane how passionate and dedicated these people are. Yiftach Golov, man... his story is so inspiring 
. They're willing to take risks and face consequences for what they believe in, and that takes guts 
. It's not just about politics; it's about community and fighting for what's right 
.
. And honestly, I think it's a great response from Netanyahu delaying votes on the legislation 
. It's clear that these protesters aren't going away anytime soon 
. I just hope that their efforts lead to real change and a more functional democratic country 
.
. And don't even get me started on this "Brother and Sisters in Arms" group... sounds like a bunch of glorified vigilantes to me 
. And what's with the whole "we'll start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel will stay a functional democratic country" vibe? That sounds like a recipe for collapse to me 
how one group of veterans can make such a huge impact on the government's decision-making process. I mean, they're not just protesting for democracy, they're willing to put their lives on the line for it too! 
and i was like what's going on in israel?! i didn't know they were having so many protests 
what if it doesn't work out though?