Two US airmen apply for conscientious objector status over Gaza role.
Inspired by fellow airman Aaron Bushnell who self-immolated in protest, two serving US military members have applied to formally become conscientious objectors.
Senior Airman Larry Hebert and Airman Juan Betancourt informed authorities through the existing procedure, stating they wished to opt out of service over Washington’s support to Israeli strikes in Gaza.
Hebert revealed the death of six-year-old Palestinian child Hind Rajab in February struck a chord as she resembled his daughter. He had worked on US weapons sales to Tel Aviv, now believing aid unjustly enabled civilian killings.
Bettencourt said witnessing Gaza news of “thousands of innocent deaths” pushed him to apply for status after Bushnell’s February act drew attention to options available.
While on leave, Hebert demonstrated outside the White House demanding a permanent ceasefire and an end to arms transfers. Both hope to influence US policy and highlight soldiers’ right to object recognized historically for the Vietnam and Iraq wars.
As per Pentagon protocol, around 36 CO requests were processed since 2021 beginning, of which 29 were approved, as aired by NBC. The men aim to see US stop supplying Israeli munitions including advanced bombs killing civilians in UN school attacks.
Their move comes as Netanyahu lately criticized Washington for withholding some arms, exposing strain while humanitarian groups decry lack of accountability for wanton targeting in areas under blockade.
