IDF Soldiers Jailed for Refusing Gaza Mission Over Female Medic's Presence

Sixteen soldiers from the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade have been sentenced to military prison for refusing to carry out an operational mission in the Gaza Strip. The soldiers refused to board an armored personnel carrier for a patrol mission because a female combat medic was present.

The incident occurred last Wednesday in Gaza. The soldiers were ordered to conduct a patrol using an Namer APC, but refused due to the presence of the female medic, leading to the cancellation of the mission. Following an inquiry, disciplinary action was taken.

Five of the soldiers involved in leading the refusal were sentenced to 10 days of confinement, while the remaining 11 soldiers received a 5-day sentence. The IDF stated that according to the joint service order, soldiers with a religious lifestyle are entitled to perform operational activities within a gender-segregated framework, except in exceptional circumstances. The IDF confirmed the soldiers refused the mission and it was subsequently canceled.

The Hesder Yeshivot Association, which supports religious Zionist soldiers, backed the soldiers' actions, stating they were acting in accordance with the joint service order. The association criticized what it called a "great loosening" in commanders' adherence to orders that allow religiously observant soldiers to serve according to their beliefs, asserting that punishing soldiers for following orders is inappropriate and that their rights and way of life must be respected.