In Israel, a growing number of teenagers, known as “refuseniks,” are choosing to refuse mandatory military service, citing moral and political reasons. One such refusenik, 18-year-old Itamar Greenberg, has spent 197 days in prison after refusing to enlist, calling it a decision rooted in his opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. He believes the war amounts to genocide and is unwilling to be part of an army that represents oppression.

Refusing military service in Israel, where conscription is a deeply embedded part of society, leads to social ostracization, with some refuseniks facing threats and criticism. These individuals, like Greenberg, often face isolation, even from family and friends, who label them traitors or self-hating Jews. Despite this, a small but growing group of conscientious objectors continues to push back against the war.

The ongoing conflict has intensified the debate over military service. Many refuseniks, including 19-year-old Lior Fogel, argue that the Israeli military’s role in systemic violence against Palestinians must end. While their numbers remain small, they are part of a larger anti-war movement gaining traction in Israel amid growing discontent with the government’s handling of the conflict.