Violence between soldiers is no stranger to the IDF, certainly not to Golani. Brigade No. 1 has an extensive history of similar incidents, which in many respects have become one of its hallmarks, as if all those who serve in it hold a singular pride and mutual guarantee that has no limits.
The term "brother", born in Golani, symbolizes the willingness to go to the end, to death, for those who serve with you in battle, as well as in routine.
Whoever harmed one Golanchik like him who insulted the entire brigade, and everyone who wears a brown beret will unite behind the victim in his fight against the aggressor.
If you will, a modern version of the Three Musketeers slogan: one for all, all for one.
The violent incident at the Golani outpost
A snowball of words and actions
This is the background to the conduct of the beating case at the "Harasina" outpost in Hebron, between commanders from the Yehuda regional brigade and commanders and soldiers from the 51st battalion that serves in the sector.
As always, the circumstances don't really matter;
Someone said something to someone else, someone else decided he was offended, and from there a snowball of words and actions rolled out that the definition "unnecessary" does him a favor.
It would be more correct to describe him as idiotic, and as one that casts a heavy shadow on the judgment of all those involved in the event.
Soldiers of Golani's 51st Battalion (archive), photo: None
This is also the background to the severe punishment decided upon by the Chief of Staff, Hertzi Halevi - removal of the deputy commander of the spatial brigade and the deputy commander of the battalion and the company commander, reprimands to the commander of the spatial brigade and the brigade, prevention of promotion from the military, and prison sentences for the deputy commander of the company, four soldiers and the Samach liaison "9 who were involved in the incident.
The chief of staff's window of opportunity
There will probably be those who criticize these strict measures, but Halevi acted correctly: it is possible, in a pinch, to understand (not accept, understand) violence between soldiers, who act with the emotions of an 18-year-old. From which a completely different maturity and responsibility is already required.
The most explosive cut.
Huge demonstration in Hebron (archive), photo: AFP
Things are always true, and they are doubly true in Hebron.
It is not about training in the Tzalim or the Golan Heights where bored soldiers might do nonsense, but in the most complicated sector the IDF is dealing with: a Hamas city that is always involved in terrorism, with an ideological and radical Jewish population, and a host of external factors that are constantly stirring this barrel of explosives. All of these satisfy the IDF "He has enough headaches, even without him adding his own.
Those who did not understand this simple logic and were dragged into the unnecessary event this week, received the head in the investigation and will pay the price.
At the beginning of his role, he will be able to define the values on the basis of which he wishes to shape the IDF. Halevi with Aviv Kochavi, photo: IDF spokesman
The Chief of Staff, any Chief of Staff, has a narrow window of opportunity at the beginning of his role to define the values on the basis of which he seeks to shape the IDF.
Halevi has now defined his own: an operational but also a moral army, and above all one that stays away from nonsense.
It should be hoped that the resounding message that emerges from the investigation and the strict punishment will permeate all army units;
If this happens, blood and tears will be spared in the future from soldiers and other units, who will now think twice before being tempted to commit similar nonsense.
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