'I refuse to serve': Israeli objector denounces use of hunger as a weapon in Gaza

By Omer Faruk Madanoglu

ISTANBUL (AA) — Israeli conscientious objector Orion Mueller has condemned the use of hunger as a weapon in Gaza, stating that his refusal to join the military is his way of opposing the ongoing situation.

In a video interview with Anadolu, Mueller detailed the challenges he faced after refusing to enlist in the Israeli army, especially during the recent Gaza conflict.

“From the very beginning of the (military) drafting process, which starts near 11 of school, I knew that I had no intentions of joining the army,” he said.

Mueller explained that Israel’s compulsory military service leaves little room for opting out, as all citizens are expected to serve.

“If you just finished high school, everyone is expected to either go right now or eventually join the military. And not doing so creates quite a bit of dissonance between your experience and the people around you. And it definitely sheds a different light on you in the eyes of the people around you.”

He noted that following the Gaza attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, more young Israelis have refused to serve.

“Israeli culture puts the military service on an almost holy pedestal. And any form of evading that service, especially during wartime, is shunned. It almost puts you at a certain level of being an outcast.”

“I really hope many more people will be willing to go through that in order to refuse the war. I think that's one of the most powerful weapons we have within Israel to push the government into stopping the war.”

Mueller, who spent 30 days in military prison for his stance, shared his experience.

“Military prison has all forms of military discipline you would expect in basic training. And so if you are willing to shape yourself in the shape of a soldier who listens and doesn't answer his commanders, then it can be fine. But if you have any interest or if you are forced to maybe push against the barriers of military chain of command, then you suffer.”

He added, “The main problem with being in prison is really just not so much boredom, as much as it is just complete lack of any action in your life. It's just waking up to the same routine, the same exact identical routine of being counted, eating, and then idling.”

- Israel's military actions and ethical concerns

Mueller also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly its disregard for civilian lives.

He argued that the military’s objectives were not achieved and that the situation has spiraled beyond a military operation.

“Israel got so bogged down in Gaza in the first place. In the looming shadow of the war, I think, other problems with joining the military become even more extreme. Both the military occupation of the West Bank and the ethnic cleansing and efforts to get rid of the population, of the native Palestinian population, make the choice between joining the army very problematic.”

“All of those problems answer the question of, is it ethical to join the Israeli military? And my answer is no.”

Mueller also accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon in Gaza, calling it a “major issue.” He believes that refusing military service is the best way to avoid complicity in such human rights violations.

He further criticized the political motivations behind the war, asserting that it is being waged for internal political gain and a balance of power.

Noting that Israel is governed by right-wing forces, he said: “I don't see … the end too near to us. But I believe that with some luck in managing to stop the campaign in Lebanon, we can maybe work towards a cease-fire deal with Gaza, if the government had any intentions to do so, which it very clearly showed it does not.”

- A message of apology and admiration

Mueller also expressed deep regret and admiration for the people of Gaza.

“First of all, I would like to say sorry on behalf of my people and my country. From the bottom of my heart, I do really feel sorry. I don't think I'm in a position to really say anything about hope, because I have four walls and a ceiling above me.”

“I don't really think I can imagine not losing hope if I were in the shoes of the Gazan people. And I really do commend the struggle in opposing the horrific military campaign taking place on their land and I do hope that one day we could coexist.”

“I think that anyone listening to this or reading this interview whenever it goes on air should consider with themselves which side of history they want to be on. The side of death and suffering or the side of hope and peace. And hopefully be sure that the answer they chose is the right one within themselves.”

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi