Halevi says Netanyahu rejected firing reservists

Halevi said on October 4, 2026 that Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected firing reservists who stopped reporting, warning this could weaken Israel's military readiness.

Reservists stopped reporting

Officials said the comments followed the Knesset's approval of a law removing the reasonableness standard, a move opponents said limits judicial review. Halevi met the prime minister after the vote and raised alarms about the political fallout, officials said.

Officials said some reservists have stopped reporting in protest and that Halevi warned the pattern risks degrading operational preparedness. The refusal by the prime minister to order dismissals, Halevi said, leaves the military without a clear personnel response and deepens the political standoff.

Officials said the dispute has prompted concern among defence planners about short-term readiness and the potential for wider regional nervousness on markets and alliances. They added that the issue is unfolding on multiple fronts: parliamentary change to judicial oversight, mass civic protests and strains inside military command.

By October 11, 2026, watch whether reservists resume reporting; officials said persistent absences by that date would be a key indicator for whether defence operations and deployments could be affected.