Occupation army conscientious objector sentenced to fifth term prison

Natan Blanc was released from military prison on Thursday, January 17, 2013, after serving a fourth, 14-day, term for refusing to serve in the Israeli Army. Last Sunday, January 20, he reported back to the induction center and on Monday, January 21, 2013, he was sentenced to a fifth term, of 20 days in prison. A demonstration in solidarity with Blanc will be held on Saturday, February 2 at 12:30 near the Military Prison No. 6 in Atilt.

On Monday, November 19th, 2012, Natan Blanc, a 19 years old Israeli from Haifa, reported to the recruitment bureau of the Israeli Army, and informed the military authorities of his refusal to serve in the IDF. He was sent to a military prison camp, where he is now serving his fifth sentence.


Demonstration in solidarity with Natan Blanc (Yesh Gvul poster)

Here is what he wrote at the time to explain his decision: “I began thinking about refusing to join the Israeli Army during the ‘Cast Lead’ operation in 2008. The wave of aggressive militarism that swept the country then, the  expressions of mutual hatred, and the vacuous talk about stamping out terror and creating a deterrent effect were the primary trigger for my refusal.

“Today, after four years full of terror, without a political process [towards peace negotiations], and without quiet in  Gaza and Sderot, it
is clear that the Netanyahu Government, like that of his predecessor Olmert, is not interested in finding a solution to the existing situation, but rather in preserving it. From their point of view, there is nothing wrong with our initiating a ‘Cast Lead 2’ operation every three or four years (and then 3, 4,5 and 6): we will talk of
deterrence, we will kill some terrorists, we will lose some civilians on both sides, and we will prepare the ground for a new generation full of hatred on both sides.

“As representatives of the people, members of the cabinet have no duty to present their vision for the futures of the country, and they can continue with this bloody cycle, with no end in sight. But we, as citizens and human beings, have a moral duty to refuse to participate in this cynical game. That is why I have decided to refuse to be inducted into the Israeli Army on the date of my call-up order, November 19, 2012.”

He cannot read his website while he is in prison, but letters of support (on paper) would be appreciated, and can be sent to him at:

Natan Blanc
MA 7571368
DZ 01860
Israel Defence Forces
Israel

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