The command investigation following the friction incident last weekend between IDF soldiers and civilians in Hebron was concluded yesterday (Monday) 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".
The investigation shows that the battalion has been carrying out operational employment in the Yehuda regional division in recent months in a professional, operational and successful manner.
Before the soldiers entered the operational employment, mental and operational preparation was carried out, in which all the procedures were transferred in an orderly manner and simulations were carried out, and also, targeted preparations were carried out for battalion commanders from the level of department commanders.
It was also noted that value discussions were carried out led by the company commanders and briefings for the scenarios put together by the battalion commander.
Recently, there has been an increase in friction in the Hebron sector.
Meanwhile, last week, the Shabbat "Sarah's Life" took place during which there were unusual riots in the area.
Last Friday, citizens provoked the fighters and one of them who did not respond to the fighter's instructions was detained by him.
The warrior knocked the civilian down and hit him in the face.
Another fighter expressed himself in a way that is not appropriate for a soldier in the IDF.
Documentation: a Givat soldier strikes a leftist activist // Photo: Issa Amro and Tal Sagi
Several errors emerge from the investigation.
The first of which is that the fighters acted with wrong judgment and behaved contrary to what was expected, with unnecessary physical and verbal violence.
Also, the soldier's decision to detain the civilian without the approval of his commander constitutes another error.
In addition, it is true that there should be a dedicated force suitable for dealing with this type of incident, such as Israel Police officers or MGB officers, which was not done.
According to the conclusions of the investigation, the violent behavior towards the citizen is wrong.
In addition, a fighter must not express himself in a belligerent way and while expressing a political position.
Following the investigation, the Yehuda Brigade Commander Lativ directed the preparation for the fighters before carrying out missions, emphasizing the value-based preparation required for a wide range of cases and reactions and while going into details, for different scenarios and based on similar cases and examples from the past.
Also, it was assumed that in hotspots with potential for friction, there would be assessments of police and security forces accordingly.
In light of the recent events, the Commander of the Central Command instructed to promote staff work aimed at examining, improving and expanding the "tool basket" of the fighters and commanders in similar cases.
The fighter who expressed himself in an inappropriate manner was suspended from operational activity until the end of the investigation.
After he confessed to his actions, he was convicted as part of the disciplinary procedure and sentenced to ten days in prison.
Yesterday, the fighter filed an appeal against the results of the procedure.
At the same time, following a flaw in the disciplinary procedure, it was decided to order his prosecution again before the commander of the Givati Brigade, who convicted the fighter and sentenced him to ten days of confinement at the military prison base.
During his arraignment, the fighter admitted his actions, expressed remorse, stated that he understood the gravity of the actions and accepted the responsibility for committing the crime.
The brigadier general explained to the soldier that he could submit a sweet request, in which all considerations would be considered, as is customary.
The commander of the Southern Command, Major General Eliezer Toledano, spoke with the Major General and backed him and the entire battalion.
The general praised the soldiers for their blessed and dedicated operational work, which is carried out throughout the year, day and night.
Damage to the good name of the commander of the "Zabar" battalion, a moral warrior officer and an excellent commander, is illegal.
Following the incident of violence, a joint investigation was opened by the military police and the Israel Police.
Upon completion of the investigation, the findings in the fighter's case will be forwarded to the military attorney's office for consideration.
The fighter who was recorded hitting a civilian was suspended from operational activity until the end of the investigation, at the end of which the continuation of his case will be reviewed.
In the words of the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Aviv Kochavi: "The values of the IDF and the orders of the commanders are, and only they, dictate the unit's tasks, its methods of operation, the behavior of its soldiers and its character."
The responsibility for the professional and ethical level of the unit lies only with the commanders of the IDF.
IDF soldiers and 'reserve' fighters carry out their activities in complex conditions, in a manner worthy of all appreciation. The event in question is unusual, handled by the commanders and I fully support the battalion commander and trust him."
From the words of the commander of the Central Command, General Yehuda Fox: "The absolute majority of the fighters act as expected in hundreds of similar encounters during their employment.
I expect my fighters to behave properly despite pressure and provocations.
Physical or verbal violence unnecessarily - this is not our way.
Our way is to protect with professionalism and coolness, to enable a normal lifestyle and to fulfill our tasks in a proper and professional manner.
The soldiers' behavior is an unusual and serious case, a soldier must not behave and express himself in a way that contradicts the values of the IDF, emphasizing the value of statehood and the purity of weapons.
I support the IDF soldiers, in any use of force required to remove a threat, at the same time we will not accept cases in which soldiers will go beyond and use their power and authority unnecessarily."
From the words of the commander of the Givati Brigade, Lt. Col. Eliad Moati: "The 'Zabar' battalion has been carrying out high-quality operational employment in Hebron for about five months, after a prolonged period of defense along the seam line.
We will take clear steps regarding those who will go beyond and use their authority and power unnecessarily and anyone who does not act with the required professionalism along with close training and escorting of all the fighters.
I trust the Maj. Gen., the high-quality chain of command and our fighters completely and I am sure that we will be able to fulfill our tasks with distinction.'
From the words of the commander of the Yehuda Brigade, Lt. Col. Yishai Rosiliou: "The brigade has a great responsibility in getting to know and deepening the operational sector and the ability to 'envelop' the battalion and make it succeed even in the most sensitive areas.
I am well aware of the challenges that exist in the Hebron Sector and by virtue of our responsibility as commanders, we are obliged to give our soldiers a 'basket of tools' of values and professionalism as wide as possible to deal with such cases and to prepare them in the best possible way in order to prevent the recurrence of cases of this type.'
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