Israeli military veterans, a backbone of protest movement, vow to keep demonstrating

In Tel Aviv, Israeli military veterans like Yiftach Golov, a former special forces reconnaissance officer, are leading sustained protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan. Golov, now a biophysics PhD holder, represents 'Brother and Sisters in Arms,' an organization of elite veterans who view defending democracy as their new mission. The group has organized 13 consecutive weeks of demonstrations, with Saturday's Tel Aviv rally drawing 150,000-230,000 participants. While Netanyahu announced a temporary pause in legislation following mass protests and a general strike, veterans remain skeptical, warning they will continue until Israel's democratic institutions are secured. The movement includes reservists threatening to refuse training, prompting Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to warn the reforms could threaten national security. Despite the pause until April's Passover recess, protesters maintain pressure, viewing this as a stalling tactic rather than genuine compromise.