Netanyahu: Refusal to serve a "terrible danger" to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of a widening refusal to serve in protest against his plan to reform the judiciary, saying it represents a "terrible danger to Israel."

Netanyahu said in remarks from the British capital, London, where he is conducting a political visit, "Acquiescence to the refusal of military service is a terrible danger to Israel," according to the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

"I call on the military to take a strong stand against refusing to serve," he said, stressing that Israel cannot survive without its army.

Netanyahu's comments come against the backdrop of dozens of reserve pilots announcing that they will not attend their scheduled training next week.

Earlier on Friday, 150 officers and soldiers from Unit 8200 of Military Intelligence signed a petition not to appear for reserve duty from next Sunday.

More than 100 reserve medical officers also announced the immediate suspension of military service.

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of reserve officers have announced that they will not serve if Netanyahu continues to push legislation on a controversial justice reform plan.

Earlier, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy warned Netanyahu of the dangers inherent in disobeying military orders in the army.

The head of the Shin Bet security service also warned that "Israel is coming to real danger, because popular protests and calls to disobey military orders intersect with serious security threats surrounding Israel on all fronts."

Israel has been witnessing huge demonstrations that have been going on for about 3 months, against Netanyahu's plan, which he describes as reformist, and opponents consider it a coup and a weakening of the judiciary.