Rock Star Rejects Gaza Petition, Says He Won’t Criticize IDF Soldiers

Geffen said the letter misrepresents Israel’s role in the conflict.

By Shula Rosen

Israeli rock musician Aviv Geffen has declined to sign a high-profile petition by Israeli artists calling for an end to what the document describes as “atrocities in Gaza.”

While expressing support for ending the war and bringing home all hostages, Geffen said the letter misrepresents Israel’s role in the conflict.

Speaking to Ynet, Geffen explained his refusal: “The petition frames Israel as the criminal party in Gaza—and that’s simply not true. I will not sign something that condemns even one soldier defending the country.”

More than 1,000 Israeli cultural figures have endorsed the appeal, which urges decision-makers to halt military operations in Gaza and avoid actions it calls violations of international law.

The letter states that artists “find themselves complicit” in events including civilian deaths, displacement, and the destruction of Gaza’s cities, and calls on military and political leaders to reject illegal orders.

Signatories include Geffen’s sister, filmmaker Shira Geffen, her husband, writer Etgar Keret, and performers such as Chava Alberstein, Gidi Gov, Oshik Levi, and Sasson Gabai.

Geffen, once exempt from military service, has in recent years volunteered on army bases and spoken publicly in support of the Israel Defense Forces

“The IDF is a moral army,” he said. “It’s made up of our sons and daughters. I have stood at too many graves with families who lost everything in a moment.”

Although he has frequently criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Geffen maintains his unwavering defense of soldiers in combat. “I won’t back down or speak against them,” he said.

Not all prominent entertainers share his view. Actor and singer Idan Amedi, who was badly wounded while serving as a reservist in Gaza, has also rejected the petition.