Tel Aviv, Israel - A sea of Israeli flags surrounds Yiftach Golov as he hoists one that looks different from the rest. Among hundreds of thousands of protesters who took to the streets for the 13th week in a row on Saturday, Golov stands out with his brown flag representing "Brother and Sisters in Arms," a group of veteran Israelis who have taken up the cause as their new mission.
Golov, a former special forces reconnaissance unit member, never got involved in politics before joining the protests. But when the movement against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan began in January, he attended one demonstration and soon became one of thousands of veterans and military reservists who have taken up the cause.
Their motivation is clear: they believe it's their responsibility to defend Israel's democracy, and some have even threatened not to train or serve if the government's plans for judicial changes go ahead. "We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story," Golov said. "That's something that was lacking in this country for the last few decades."
The group's efforts are starting to pay off. Last Monday, after weeks of sustained protests and a massive strike action, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, allowing time for negotiations with the opposition.
However, despite the announcement, protesters remain out on the streets in large numbers. The size of Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv was estimated at around 150,000 people by CNN affiliate Channel 12, but organizers claimed it was much higher.
Netanyahu has insisted that the delay is only temporary and reiterated his commitment to the overhaul plans. But many protesters don't believe it's real, seeing it as a stalling tactic to give Netanyahu some breathing room.
The pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in moving the needle. For Golov and others like him, the cause is personal: they've seen firsthand how the government's plans could threaten Israel's security.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said. The group's determination is unwavering, and their message is clear: defend democracy at all costs.
Golov, a former special forces reconnaissance unit member, never got involved in politics before joining the protests. But when the movement against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan began in January, he attended one demonstration and soon became one of thousands of veterans and military reservists who have taken up the cause.
Their motivation is clear: they believe it's their responsibility to defend Israel's democracy, and some have even threatened not to train or serve if the government's plans for judicial changes go ahead. "We're fighting for justice and liberty, just like the American story," Golov said. "That's something that was lacking in this country for the last few decades."
The group's efforts are starting to pay off. Last Monday, after weeks of sustained protests and a massive strike action, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a pause to the legislation, allowing time for negotiations with the opposition.
However, despite the announcement, protesters remain out on the streets in large numbers. The size of Saturday's demonstration in Tel Aviv was estimated at around 150,000 people by CNN affiliate Channel 12, but organizers claimed it was much higher.
Netanyahu has insisted that the delay is only temporary and reiterated his commitment to the overhaul plans. But many protesters don't believe it's real, seeing it as a stalling tactic to give Netanyahu some breathing room.
The pressure from Israel's vaunted veterans has been seen as a key factor in moving the needle. For Golov and others like him, the cause is personal: they've seen firsthand how the government's plans could threaten Israel's security.
"We will start doing deactivation only when we know 100% that Israel will stay a functional democratic country," Golov said. The group's determination is unwavering, and their message is clear: defend democracy at all costs.
they're literally putting everything on the line to stand up for what they believe in, it's wild that a whole generation of Israeli veterans are taking a stand against the government's plans... I mean, can you imagine feeling like your country is being stripped away from you? 
it's not just about politics, it's about people's lives and freedom... and these guys are willing to risk everything for it, talk about commitment! 
I'm all about supporting causes that promote justice and liberty, and this group of vets definitely has my backing 
. It's amazing how one guy can just show up at a protest and become a leader, but Golov is literally making waves 
. The fact that they're threatening not to train or serve if the gov't goes ahead with the plans shows just how serious they are about defending their country 
. I'm loving this story so much - let's keep the momentum going for these amazing veterans! 
. i can see why netanyahu would try to stall though - he must know his gov is unpopular with a lot of people 
.
, and it's so inspiring to hear them say they're fighting for justice and liberty like the american story 
. but at the same time, 150k protesters on the streets in tel aviv? that's just crazy numbers 
.
really? veterans showing up to protests like they're the original protesters lolol what's next gonna be grandpas in marching shoes 
meanwhile, it's not like they're just doing this for the thrill of it or anything... I mean, who wouldn't want to fight for democracy 
and btw, 150k people? that's cute 
. I mean, we get it, they're passionate about defending Israel's democracy, but isn't that just gonna create more problems down the line? Like, what happens when some 100% sure they'll stick to their guns and refuse to do their job? 
It could lead to power vacuum and all sorts of things.
they're literally standing up for democracy & it's inspiring but also kinda scary cuz if things don't change it could get ugly 
150k people in one spot is crazy though, gotta respect that 
. Maybe this pause will give them time to regroup and come back stronger. Either way, kudos to these veterans for standing up for what they believe in 
. But at the same time, those veterans are doing a huge service by speaking out and putting pressure on the government... I don't know, maybe they're just being really selfish by not wanting to do their part 
But what if Netanyahu is trying to fix some deeper issues with Israel's system? Should he just go ahead and do it without considering all the potential consequences? 
! It's amazing how a sea of red flags (well, actually brown) waving in unison can make such an impact 
. Golov's words about "defending Israel's democracy" and "fighting for justice and liberty" are giving me all the feels 
. The fact that they're not backing down despite Netanyahu's claims is proof that their message is resonating with people 
. Let's keep supporting these brave individuals and hoping that their efforts will lead to real change