Tal Mitnick and Sofia Orr, two Israeli teenagers who are currently serving prison sentences for refusing to join the Israel Defense Forces, have taken a bold step by sending a letter to President Joe Biden. In their letter, they implore Biden to use his influence to halt Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, including by placing conditions on military aid.
The teenagers expressed their concern over the unconditional support that the U.S. has provided to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s destructive policies, which have led to the normalization of violence and the devaluation of human lives in Israeli society. They hold both American leaders and their own accountable for the prolonged conflict, emphasizing Biden’s unique power to bring an end to the war.
Mitnick and Orr penned the letter just before beginning their latest prison terms. They sent it to Biden following his acknowledgment that U.S. bombs have been used by Israel to target civilians. Biden also stated that he would withhold arms shipments if Israel escalates its invasion of Rafah. However, the specifics of what constitutes a major invasion were left unclear.
The teenagers are part of Mesarvot, a growing network of Israeli refuseniks who are united in their opposition to mandatory military conscription. They stand in solidarity with each other as they resist serving in the Israeli military, with some members like Ben Arad facing increasing prison sentences for their refusal.
Throughout the conflict, Israelis have taken to the streets to protest against the war and Netanyahu’s government. However, dissenters have faced harsh treatment from authorities, including arrests and physical violence. The refuseniks are calling for a ceasefire and urging Biden to leverage arms transfers to pressure Israel into reaching a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
Mitnick and Orr emphasized that mere condemnation will not suffice to end the violence. They called on Biden to apply real pressure on Israel by halting arms deliveries, as words alone will not compel Netanyahu to cease hostilities. The teenagers stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict and that negotiation is the key to securing peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
In their letter, Mitnick and Orr underscored the importance of conditioning aid to Israel and withholding diplomatic support for the Israeli government’s actions. They believe that taking a firm stance against fanaticism would serve the best interests of Israeli citizens and contribute to a more peaceful future for all inhabitants of the region.
The courageous appeal made by these young refuseniks highlights the urgent need for a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel and emphasizes the power of diplomacy in resolving conflicts. As they watch from their prison cells, Mitnick and Orr hope that their message will resonate with President Biden and lead to concrete actions that promote peace and justice in the region.