Air Force Engineer Resigns as Dissent Against Gaza War Slowly Spreads Within Military

An Air Force engineer, Riley Livermore, has decided to leave the military due to his belief that the U.S. government is complicit in supporting an Israeli genocide against Palestinians. Livermore, who enlisted in the Air Force 16 years ago, spent two years in Israel doing missile guidance research. During his time there, he became aware of the influence of the Israel lobby on U.S. politics and began to question the U.S. government’s support for Israel. Livermore’s disillusionment with the military grew as he reflected on the U.S.’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and witnessed the rhetoric and actions of Israeli military brass during his training. He is now in the process of separating from the Air Force and has no intention of working in the military-industrial complex again.

Livermore is not alone in his dissent within the military. There have been nine prominent resignations in recent months, as well as a self-immolation by Airman Aaron Bushnell and a campaign led by service members to speak out against elected officials’ support for Israel’s war on Gaza. The testimonies from members of the armed forces indicate growing dissent within American power structures beyond public resignations and protests. However, the Department of Defense declined to comment on the matter.

Livermore’s experience in Israel challenged not only his views on U.S. support for Israel but also his faith. He grew up evangelical Christian and was active in his church, but he began to see how his faith was being used to justify oppressive policies. His time in the military, including witnessing military abuses in Afghanistan, further contributed to his disillusionment.

Livermore’s decision to leave the military is part of a larger trend of organized resistance within the military. A coalition of veterans and anti-war organizations has launched a campaign to help service members advocate against U.S. support for Israel’s war on Palestine. The campaign provides guidance and legal advice on how to raise concerns with elected officials. This effort is inspired by a similar campaign that took place in 2006 and 2007, which led to thousands of armed service members calling for an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Livermore’s story and the growing dissent within the military highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by service members who question the actions and policies of their government. It also sheds light on the complex dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, and the impact of these dynamics on individuals within the military.