The confrontation between the soldiers and the left-wing activists in Hebron:
Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi spoke tonight (between Tuesday and Wednesday) with Brigade Givati, Col. Eliad Moati, and then with Major General Zabar, Lt. Col. Aviran Alfasi in order to express support for their decision and to denounce the The criticism that was directed at them, among other things, the Chief of Staff sent a sting to Laban Gabir and said that "no politician will interfere in command decisions".
As part of the talks, the Chief of Staff denounced the attacks on the Maj. Gen. and the commanders in the battalion and backed up their actions in light of the weekend's events.
At the same time, the Chief of Staff praised the battalion's operational activity, the ethical manner in which it operates, and the serious approach in which the unusual events were investigated and handled.
The Chief of Staff made it clear that attacking the Majd is wrong, and any political interference in commanders' decisions is wrong.
Kochavi said that "the commanders, and only the commanders, determine the norms and the way incidents are handled in their units.
Fighters and commanders in the combat sectors are required to deal with complex situations and they deserve appreciation.
This confrontation is free of any political consideration, and even if mistakes are made, they should be clarified and conducted within the army and the appropriate frameworks.
MK Itamar Ben Gabir, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
"We will not allow any politician, neither from the right nor from the left, to interfere in command decisions and use the army to promote a political agenda. Political interference in the IDF directly harms the army's ability to carry out its tasks, and its legitimacy. Defaming commanders on political grounds is a slippery slope that we must not as a society to deteriorate in it. The soldiers, commanders and also their family members have many rights, and they should stay out of any political discourse. I strengthen the battalion, and know that the complex tasks require judgment, professionalism and values, and I have full confidence in the battalion's ability to carry them out successfully."
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu also made sure to support the soldiers on his Twitter page when he wrote: "The IDF is the people's army, I call on everyone, from the right and the left, to leave it out of any political debate."
The IDF is the people's army, I call on everyone, right and left, to leave it out of any political debate.
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) November 30, 2022
Earlier, the command investigation was published following the friction incident last weekend between IDF soldiers and civilians in Hebron, which was concluded yesterday by the commander of the Central Command, Major General Yehuda Fox.
In addition, following a flaw in the disciplinary procedure, it was decided to order the retrial of the fighter who said "Ben Gabir will make things right" before the commander of the Givati Brigade.
As I recall, yesterday the testimony of the fighter was revealed in "Israel Hayom".
Ben Gvir: "I will criticize the soldier";
Lapid: "Irresponsible incitement against the commanders"
Meanwhile, the designated Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, addressed Defense Minister Benny Gantz in a letter and asked to visit the soldier in the military prison.
"I don't see anything wrong with the soldier's behavior towards the bullies and I regret the disproportionate punishment directed at him."
Ben Gvir wrote and added, "I would like to visit the soldier in the military prison tomorrow and encourage his spirit."
Ben Gvir referred to the incident itself and criticized the punishment given to the soldier.
According to him, "It cannot be that anarchists come, swear, spit, attack our heroic soldiers. Fighters react, you can certainly take them to the side and tell them 'a more proportionate response, less proportionate', but to send them to prison for ten days? It's unlikely, it's not To me, it's not true, they didn't see it. Our job is to back our fighters, to back our soldiers and I demand from the army, think twice about this punishment. It's a very bad message."
Prime Minister Yair Lapid responded to Ben Gabir's words and attacked: "The new government has not yet taken office and its ministers are already inciting the IDF soldiers against their commanders. The wild incitement led by the ministers and MKs against the Chief of Staff, the commanding general and against the Maj. Gen., Lt. - General Aviran Alfasi, she is dangerous and destructive and she is at the head of the new government. Our fighters cannot get permission from ministers and Knesset members to violate the orders of their commanders. Their lives and our lives depend on having a strong army with a clear chain of command and combat discipline. This incitement, disguised as Backup', dangerous, irresponsible and gnawing with the strength of the IDF."
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