Finance Minister Backs Soldiers Refusing Mixed-Gender Service

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Monday his full backing for soldiers from the Givati Brigade's Rotem Battalion who were sentenced to jail time for refusing to board an armored personnel carrier that contained a female paramedic. The soldiers cited their religious beliefs and adherence to "proper integration" directives as reasons for their refusal, which went against the IDF's joint service order.

Smotrich stated, "I support the Givati soldiers who insisted on their right and duty to serve in the IDF, while preserving their values and faith and adhering to the proper integration order." He added that the soldiers have the full support of the rabbis and directors of the Hesder Yeshiva Association, who have thoroughly examined the issue. "I prayed and hoped with all my might that the IDF would come to its senses and prevent the need for my intervention, but since that did not happen, as the leader of Religious Zionism, I cannot sit idly by and will demand answers from the IDF on the matter."

The incident occurred in the Gaza Strip during operational activity. Three soldiers initially refused to board the vehicle. According to sources familiar with the details, when the rest of the squad was asked if anyone was willing to board with the female paramedic, none agreed. The battalion's rabbi reportedly approved the operation to proceed with the female paramedic present due to its importance and urgency.

Following the incident, five soldiers were sentenced to 10 days in military prison, and 11 others received five-day sentences. Two of the soldiers sentenced to 10 days will face an evaluation board before being allowed to return to combat duty. The Hesder Yeshiva Association defended the soldiers, claiming they acted in accordance with the joint service order and should not be punished.

The disciplinary actions have sparked widespread outrage. MK Avi Maoz of the Noam party criticized the political and security leadership, stating, "Prime Minister and Defense Minister, this is on your watch. You are turning your back on IDF soldiers." Rabbi Dror Aryeh of the Sderot Hesder Yeshiva called the punishment "unprecedented audacity" and criticized the defense minister for failing to protect the soldiers from "progressive madness."