Show Originally Aired: 2/6/2002 CALL 1 800-423-TALK
A New Opposition in Israel
Israeli soldier holding rifle and tear gas canister, Kalandiya, West Bank Email to friend
Israeli army officers, in small but significant numbers, are signing a petition and taking a stand. They say the occupation of Palestinian land corrupts Israeli society. They say it has nothing to do with security, that it simply perpetuates humiliation and harassment of the Palestinian people. They say they will not cross the line and serve in the occupied territories. Just under 200 reservists are signed on so far, but it's attracting the attention of Israel's military and political leaders who say refusal to serve is sedition. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says a disobedient soldier threatens Israel's democracy, but his tough response is generating debate in a nation where soldiers are required to refuse orders they feel are criminal.
