The chief of staff spoke at an ceremony of outstanding officers and opponents, and gave an implicit critique of the ultra-Orthodox and the Arabs: "It is impossible for soldiers to endanger their lives and others free from duty."
Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi
Photo:
Gideon Markovich
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi Nam this evening (Thursday) at an outstanding officers and counters ceremony for 2020, and said that all Israeli citizens must enlist in the IDF or volunteer for a year of national-civilian service.
He said, "In the name of statehood, it would be right for all citizens of the country to serve in the IDF or at least in alternative national service.
"It is not conceivable that IDF soldiers will bear the burden alone while many others are free from debt. It is not possible for IDF soldiers to risk their lives while others cultivate their lives."
Kochavi added: "The IDF operates in a professional, ethical and matter-of-fact manner only, and without social or political biases.
It is characterized by decency and cleanliness of hands, and these are the elements that express statehood, that bind us together, strengthen our resilience, and maintain public trust. "
Chief of Staff to Magellan fighters over thwarting attack on Syrian border // Photo: IDF Spokesman
"Moreover, the character and way of operation of the IDF has a great, very great contribution to the solidarity of Israeli society.
I described the principles of the state, but they can all be summed up in a simple way - and it is in the general interest. "
