Two Israeli teenagers, Iddo Elam and Soul Behar Tsalik, have been sentenced to 30 days in military prison for refusing mandatory conscription as a protest against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian territories.
The 18-year-olds from Tel Aviv, part of a small but vocal group of conscientious objectors known as “refuseniks,” reported to the Tel Hashomer recruitment centre on Wednesday, where they declared their refusal to enlist. They were then transferred to Neve Tzedek military prison to begin their sentences, which could be extended.
In statements before their imprisonment, Elam and Behar Tsalik called for an end to the war and the occupation. Elam wrote, “As long as we continue to enlist, follow orders and enact our government’s rotten goals, we will live in a reality of war, annexation, and hate. I want no child, no matter which side of the wall they were born, to be afraid of rockets or being kidnapped from their beds. We have to do everything in our power to make sure that the children of the future live in security.”
Behar Tsalik urged Israel to move towards a political solution, stating, “There may be attempts to shift our attention to Lebanon or Iran, but the reality in Gaza does not change—we are controlling Gaza. We continue the violence there and continue to forsake the hostages. We must move from violent confrontation to a political solution. Only then can we begin to build a lasting peace.”
Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens over 18, with conscientious objection rarely recognized. Refuseniks often face repeated imprisonment. Since the war began on 7 October, penalties for refusal have been heightened, with Elam and Behar Tsalik among eight teenagers publicly rejecting conscription.
Their actions reflect growing dissent among Israeli youth, despite government efforts to rally national unity. Demonstrators outside the recruitment centre expressed solidarity, holding signs and chanting messages of support.
Elam and Behar Tsalik join other teenagers imprisoned in recent months, including Tal Mitnick, Sophia Orr, and Ben Arad, in sparking debates about Israel’s military policies.
Reflecting on the conflict, Elam remarked, “It doesn’t make sense that there have been seven wars in Gaza since I was born, which Gazan children have also experienced, and many of them have died in.”
As the war continues, these conscientious objectors hope their defiance will prompt broader conversations about peace, justice, and the ethics of mandatory military service in Israel.
