The Israeli military released occupation objector Tair Kaminer from prison on Monday night, July 18, citing a recruitment board’s finding that she was “not fit” to serve due to “poor behavior.” Following the board’s decision, Kaminer is no longer subject to military service.

Tair Kaminer immediately after her release from Military Prison 6, following her having been incarcerated there for 159 days (Photo: Activestills)

Kaminer, 19, spent 159 days behind bars, after the military rejected her appeal for an exemption from service due to reasons of conscience. She had expressed a readiness to perform civilian national service instead. Kaminer served six non-contiguous terms in prison since January. Her release on Monday cut short the latest 45-day extension of incarceration imposed on June 20. With her 159 days in prison, Kaminar served more jail time than any other female conscientious objector. In an op-ed published by Haaretz on June 23, Kaminer wrote: “I am in prison because the state does not respect my conscience. I am in prison because I am unwilling to collaborate in the crime known as occupation.”

Omri Baranes, another female conscientious objector, is also serving time in military prison for refusing to enlist due to her opposition to the occupation. She is currently awaiting a response on her case from the military committee which weighs the requests of conscientious objectors. Earlier this week, Kai Hen, a conscientious objector who spent 30 days in prison, was released from incarceration.

Related: Posts on Tair Kaminer