The Israeli Air Force is grappling with uncertainties following the recent attack by Hamas, as the impact of a months-long boycott by some of its most experienced pilots remains unclear. Approximately 400 reserve pilots, including 300 fighter pilots, had boycotted flying operations to protest judicial reforms that they deemed undemocratic and authoritarian. These reforms granted the government the authority to overrule the judiciary and deploy the military for actions that some pilots found objectionable, such as attacking other nations.
In response to the boycott, Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen Tomer Bar set an ultimatum, giving the protesting pilots until October 17 to return to duty or face the risk of losing their flying status and being discharged from the military. Bar expressed concerns about requalifying volunteer pilots in time for a major military exercise scheduled for the end of the month. At the time of the ultimatum, most of the protesting pilots had not flown for over three months, which Bar believed would impact the air force's readiness, describing it as "worsening."
Meanwhile, reports from The Washington Post suggest that Hamas forces used powered paragliders to infiltrate the Israeli border amid ongoing rocket attacks. In response to the situation, the United States has deployed a carrier group to the region and is sending approximately 25 more fighter aircraft as a deterrence measure to prevent the escalation of the conflict.