Israel PM Netanyahu 'lashes out military leaders' for questioning capabilities as reservists refuse service

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly lashed out at two military leaders for revealing defence-related concerns as reservists increasingly refuse to serve over a controversial judicial overhaul.

In a call with army chief of staff Herzi Halevi and Air Force commander Tomer Bar, Netanyahu took issue with comments Bar had made during a meeting with reserve pilots, Israel's Channel 13 broadcaster reported on Sunday.

Bar previously said that the capabilities of Israel's air force had been damaged, arguing that even if the turmoil stops it "will no longer be what it once was". Netanyahu told the Israeli military leaders to deny the comments attributed to Bar.

"It looks like the army is running the country," Netanyahu reportedly said.

"You're damaging our deterrent credibility," he allegedly shouted. "Why are you putting out headlines like this?"

Harlevi was reported to have said: "It is our duty to issue a warning when the army's fitness is at risk."

Netanyahu's office denied the premier had shouted, saying that "even when the prime minister speaks forcefully, he doesn't yell".

On Sunday, Halevi and Bar told Netanyahu the effects of reservists refusing to serve would truly start to be felt by the military in two weeks' time, Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi were also in attendance.

The judicial overhaul is an effort by the Israeli government to limit the power of judges and strengthen its own authority.

The Knesset approved a bill in July removing the ability of the Supreme Court to overrule government decisions on the basis of "reasonableness".

The same court will consider appeals against the law – the first one passed as part of the controversial reform package – in September.

The judicial overhaul could also pave the way for authorities to take increasingly harsh measures against Palestinians, though this issue has largely been overlooked by critics.