An Israeli army officer has been removed from his post for participating in a demonstration in Israel wearing his military uniform.

The disciplinary decision is the first of its kind since a social and political crisis erupted in the Jewish state over a controversial justice reform promoted by the far-right/right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has sparked mass protests since last January, along with strikes and friction in the ranks of the Israeli Army.

Local media reported that the officer, a Major, was seen on television taking part in a pro-government rally held on Thursday at a pro-reform demonstration.

Military personnel up to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel are allowed to participate in political demonstrations provided that they do not wear their uniforms and are not recognizable as military, according to The Times of Israel.

The Army confirmed the officer’s rank but, in a statement about his misconduct, said only that the officer took part in a demonstration last week wearing his military uniform and was stripped of his command powers.

The dispute over judicial reform is also having an impact on Israel’s Armed Forces, which have traditionally stayed out of political affairs. Some reservists, on whom the Israeli military relies heavily, have threatened to refuse call-up orders if the reforms go ahead.

Expressing concern about the country’s military readiness, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant publicly called last month for the reform to be suspended. Netanyahu responded by announcing Gallant’s ouster, but then the Prime Minister backed down, keeping the Minister in his post.

Source: CNN Greece

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