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Israeli soldiers are angry with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair, for not joining the war against Hamas and instead living a good life in the US. Photo/Haim Zach/GPO/Flash90
TEL AVIV – Israeli soldiers are angry with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair, for not being among the 300,000 reservists mobilized for the war against Hamas.
Yair is currently living well in Florida, United States (US), to carry out non-profit charity activities.
According to a Times of London report, Israeli soldiers felt Yair’s actions were a betrayal.
“Yair is enjoying his life in Miami Beach while I am on the front line,” a soldier tasked with confronting Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon told the British newspaper.
Asking not to be named for security reasons, the soldier complained that the people responsible for the situation were not shouldering their burden, sparking distrust and anger among Israeli soldiers.
“Our brothers, our fathers, our children, all will come to the front lines, but Yair is still not here. “This does not help build trust in the country’s leadership,” the soldier told the Times of London, which was reported on Wednesday (25/10/2023).
Another soldier, who volunteered and was preparing to deploy to the southern front against Hamas, said he flew back from America and left his job, life and family behind.
“There is no way I can stay there and leave my country, my people, at this critical moment. Where is the prime minister’s son? Why is he not in Israel?” said the soldier, who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
“This is the most unifying moment for us as Israelis in our recent history and every single one of us should be here today, including the prime minister’s son.”
All Israeli citizens must undergo mandatory military service and call up as reserve soldiers until the age of 40. Yair Netanyahu is 32 years old. However, his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was as a spokesperson, not a combat soldier.