Meet Tal Mitnick | First Israeli Jailed for Refusing Military Service in "Revenge War" on Gaza

January 19 | 2024

Democracy Now!

Amy Goodman

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As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue the assault on Gaza, we speak with the first Israeli to refuse mandatory military service since Israel's offensive began over three months ago.

Last month, 18-year-old Tal Mitnick announced he would refuse military service in what he called a "revenge war" on Gaza, and was sentenced to 30 days in a military prison. Just released from jail, Mitnick faces another draft summons and says he will refuse "over and over until someone gives up, until the army gives me an exemption."

Mitnick says the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel broke the idea Israel could live with occupation.

"We need to keep fighting for a just future," he says, urging the younger generation of Israelis to use their voices for peace.

"We're the future, and we can change."

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