Max Kresch, a former combat medic, has emerged as a significant voice against the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, firmly refusing to participate further in the ongoing conflict. His decision is in direct response to the October 7 attacks perpetrated by Hamas. He says the Netanyahu government has opportunistically used these events as cover to pursue its broader military aims. Kresch’s principled position has exacted a terrible cost on him. Today, he is shunned from the broader Israeli society and is part of a growing number of reservists who are similarly refusing call-ups.
With these few deft strokes, Kresch has become something of a beacon for many Israelis. More importantly, they are actively and critically reevaluating their roles in these ongoing military operations. His group, which encourages servicemen and women to publicly oppose the war, has nearly 300 signatories. Kresch sits outside at a table, looking at the sad empty glass in front of him. He has to sit with the regret of his decision and its consequences.
A Personal Decision with Public Consequences
Max Kresch is rejecting his call-up to active duty because he’s convinced the Israeli government has taken advantage of the new Hamas attacks to play for sympathy. He interprets this as preparation for a new, ground-based military escalation. He articulates his position clearly:
“It’s not refusing army service, it’s not refusing military service, period.” – Max Kresch
He is careful to clarify always that his resistance is only to what’s happening here and how the federal government is going about it.
Due to his advocacy work, Kresch has personally experienced severe repercussions both personally and professionally. The stigma on his decision has resulted in him being shunned from social circles that once welcomed him. He and other reservists who refuse emergency duty find themselves in dire legal straits. These include court martials and the imposition of fines, which can now be leveled up to 2000 shekels, around $870.
Growing Movement Among Reservists
Initially, Kresch felt isolated in his stance. Since the onset of renewed conflict, he has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of reservists joining him in refusing military service. This new movement is showing its strength as more and more people proudly and openly declare their opposition to the war.
Kresch’s organization provides a kind of safe harbor for these enlisted soldiers, giving them room to surface their concerns without fear of retribution. This kind of solidarity is a new turning of the tide in public sentiment from Israeli reservists.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have recently fired hundreds of reservists. These same officers had signed an open letter denouncing the war efforts, indicating a widening rift in the military ranks. Kresch’s involvement in this movement is a sign of an urgent moral reawakening among Israelis regarding the ethics of the military in its occupied territories.
Humanitarian Concerns and Military Accountability
One of the most important aspects of Kresch’s campaign is breaking the humanitarian crisis that has erupted in Gaza. Yet he insists that we do need to be concerned and indeed monitor what aid goes into the region. This is to ensure it can’t be diverted into the hands of Hamas militants.
“If you don’t have a credible mechanism and you just pour, just send logistics across the lines of the battlefield, it reaches the hands of Hamas and Hamas uses that to re-arm,” – Max Kresch
Kresch insists that humanitarian aid should be distributed based on need while simultaneously ensuring that it does not empower hostile entities. His point of view is in line with concerns expressed by world leaders about the delivery of humanitarian assistance while war continues.
The case highlights a national conversation on military accountability and humanitarian obligations during wartime. International organizations have called on governments to provide aid through transparent mechanisms that don’t put vulnerable populations at risk.
In light of statements from Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s commitment to defeating Hamas and freeing hostages, Kresch’s views represent a growing dissent against perceived militaristic overreach. Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel is prepared to intensify its campaign:
“We are determined to achieve two goals: one — to defeat Hamas, to eliminate Hamas.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
This hardline gambit begs the question. What will the long-term implications be for military personnel such as Kresch and for civilians who get swept into the fire-fight?
