![Israeli soldiers take part in military exercises near the northern Elyakim area on October 14, 2020 [EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/GettyImages-1229084776.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Some 120 Israeli reservists have refused to take part in a military exercise that coincided with their vacations, public broadcaster Kan reported yesterday.
The soldiers refused the training which came at the end of their operational employment in Gush Etzion in the occupied West Bank.
According to Kan, the reservists are paratroopers in Battalion 66 of Brigade 55. It said that they carried out operational activities in the areas south of occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem, as well as in Hebron.
On Saturday, prior to their leave, a new order was issued to begin training them in the Jordan Valley for a week.
Kan said: “The soldiers had been told that they were on leave so that they got ready to return home. They informed their wives, children, work and schools. Therefore, they refused the training.”
Only half of the soldiers are taking part in the training.