On video: Confrontation between IDF soldiers and left-wing activists in Hebron (Isa Amro, Tal Sagi)
The serious incident in Hebron in which a soldier hit a left-wing activist and another soldier hurled political statements in the middle of an operational activity is a red flag for the army command.
Political statements must remain outside the military bases. The army commanders, led by the Chief of Staff, cannot ignore the public atmosphere after the recent elections in Israel - and they must do everything to prevent the polarization that is rampant outside from entering the IDF. Certainly when it ends in severe physical violence of soldiers against civilians.
Political statements by soldiers are bad, such as announcing refusals of an order to evacuate settlements on the right or refusal on the left to serve in the territories. Even in the most difficult days of polarization in Israeli society, in the days of disengagement from the Gaza Strip, after the army received the most difficult task - politics was left out and the task Done successfully.
It's easier to get a medal in the USA. Kochavi (photo: IDF spokesperson)
The Chief of Staff's letter that was published yesterday more than 24 hours after the event, as if the year is 1965, is not enough. Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi should physically come to the area, sit down with the commanders and explain the problem and severely punish the unruly fighters.
Kochavi should appear in front of the cameras, and denounce the political discourse from the military system.
If Kochavi
does not do this quickly, the Commissioner will also be forced to deal with a similar problem in the Israel Police. It is better to set an example than silence in a letter that is more suitable for another event.
the last one?
We understand that you just want to get home safely and it's easier to get a nice medal in the United States with a picture in the newspaper, but if you get a medal and we're only left with a letter without actions - then we'll find ourselves with an army that loses its way and its ability to be called "the people's army".
Lior Landenberg is editor-in-chief of Walla!
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