Israeli reservists are discharged after hundreds call for release of hostages and end of war

(JTA) — Nearly 1,000 active and retired reservists in Israel’s Air Force have called for their government to strike a deal to release Israeli hostages in exchange for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, arguing that the fighting endangers the captives’ lives as well as innocent civilians.

In response, the Air Force said it would dismiss any active-duty reservists who signed the letter, accusing them of using the force’s “brand” to voice their opinion.

“Refusal to serve is refusal to serve — even if it implied and in polite language,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “Exp...