A clandestine undertaking on behalf of Israel, the Jets and the Jews.

 
Jewish Press Column

My column in this week's Jewish Press is now online.

The column is to a large extent a revised and improved version of my post about Gaza last week.

One portion is entirely new - my views on refusal of soldiers to obey orders:

It is certainly inappropriate for American Jews to call upon IDF soldiers and reservists to refuse to obey an order to evacuate a Gaza community. Civil disobedience is a legitimate form of protest, but disobedience by a soldier is much more problematic.

Perhaps an individual soldier can refuse to carry out orders that are contrary to his deepest values, so long as he accepts the consequences of that decision. Mass refusal is another matter, particularly if it is organized. Whatever one thinks of the Sharon plan and the manner in which it is being implemented, those opposed to the decision will have to live in Israeli society after the withdrawal occurs. Mass refusal would cause the estrangement of mainstream Israel from the religious Zionist sector, and anarchy in an army that is essential to its country's survival.

One point that I didn't make but wish I had, is that plenty of IDF soldiers with left-wing views have followed orders to protect communities in Gaza and elsewhere that they may have opposed. Some of these soldiers gave their lives to defend these communities.
posted on 3/03/2005