Newshour - Elite Israeli fighter pilots boycott training - BBC Sounds

Israel has been in political turmoil since the formation of the most right-wing government in its history.

Anti-government protests have continued to grow since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power at the end of last year, leading the most right-wing, nationalist coalition in Israel's history and promising radical changes to Israel's legal system.

Plans to reform the judiciary are causing huge controversy. They include laws that would give the government full control over nominating judges and would ultimately strip the Supreme Court of the power to strike down legislation. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have demonstrated against the proposals.

Now, in a sign of growing opposition to the government, fighter pilots in an elite Israeli Air Force have said they will not attend training; it is an unparalleled political move, and comes after a letter sent to the prime minister and the defence minister, from all ten living former air force commanders.

Among them, is retired Lt General Dan Halutz, who was also the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces. He told the BBC why he believes the new government is a threat to democracy.