Five reservists who were recently called up for military service in the territories have told their commanders they will not show up, as a means of protesting against the disengagement plan.

All five are religious, and some live in settlements. They are refusing to do their reserve service in the Israel Defense Forces even though their units are not involved, either directly or indirectly, in the plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and part of the northern West Bank, nor are their units replacing others that are training to take part in the pullout.

Commanders in the reserve system told Haaretz they expect to see more reservists refusing to serve as the evacuation draws near. The phenomenon is expected to be widespread among graduates of hesder yeshivas, which combine Torah study with military service.

Another source of concern is "gray refusal," which involves various ways of avoiding military service, such as buying plane tickets for a trip abroad, while the disengagement is being implemented.

These means of protest are being considered by reservists who identify with the right wing, although reserve units won´t be implementing the evacuation. They will, however, be filling the places of regular units that will be involved in the pullout.

The military prosecution is completing its list of legal rules for dealing with those who refuse to serve during the disengagement. A senior prosecution official said the plan is for most refuseniks to undergo disciplinary proceedings conducted by their commanders. In most cases they will be sent to military prison.

There are two classes of refuseniks who may be tried by a military tribunal instead: officers whose stripes could be removed if they refuse to serve, and extreme situations of soldiers who incite rebellion and persuade others not to take part in the evacuation. (© Copyright 2005 Haaretz. 05/25/05)