Tonight (Saturday), Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and senior members of the Southern Command, and responded to the criticism following the death of the late Sgt. Bar-El Hadaria Shmueli. Bennett wrote: "I want you to know, and all uniformed people will know - my backing for IDF commanders is complete and absolute.
"Where there is a battle, there are also mistakes, and sometimes they are tragic."
"I very much appreciate the dedication of the IDF commanders and their enormous personal sacrifice for the security of the country.
The heartbreak of the entire nation over the fall of the late Barel Hadaria Shmueli is enormous, "the prime minister added." Barel fell in defense of his people and his country.
He joins the good ones his son, who since the establishment of the state have given their lives to sustain and preserve it. "
The late Bar-El Hadaria Shmueli, Photo: From Instagram
The prime minister emphasized in his remarks: "Everything is allowed for the family. Our job is to give answers, listen and embrace. I expect politicians and public figures not to touch the IDF and its commanders.
We have no other IDF.
"I ask you now, you who are there at the front, to be filled with strength and to face the challenges on the ground. We trust you and support you," he concluded.
"I want to wish you, and all our people who are on guard, at all borders, regularly and in reserve, a good week and a happy new year."
As stated, the conversation took place in light of the events of recent days and the harsh criticism leveled at it by the IDF. The conversation was attended by the Chief of General Staff, Maj. The Northern Brigade in the Gaza Division during the operational incident in which the late Bar-El was killed.
Earlier, the chief of staff issued an unusual letter for the new year in which he addressed the criticism and public discourse surrounding the issue of the fighter’s death. “Defense requires fighting and fighting requires sacrifice.
"Fighting situations are characterized by battle fog and changing circumstances, and decisions are usually made with uncertainty and in a short period of time," the chief of staff wrote, adding: And to kill. There is no role and no profession in which no mistakes are made, and in fighting against an enemy in particular. "