Finance Minister Smotrich Backs Soldiers Who Refused to Serve With Female Medic

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly backed several soldiers from the Givati Brigade who refused to board an armored personnel carrier (APC) that contained a female paramedic. Smotrich stated that the soldiers acted to uphold their religious beliefs and the IDF's "proper integration" directive, asserting their right to serve while adhering to their faith.

He announced his intention to demand answers from the IDF regarding the incident, expressing disappointment that the military did not resolve the issue internally. Smotrich, who identifies as a leader of the Religious Zionist community, stated he could not stand idly by and would address the matter due to his public and political position.

The minister criticized the IDF's handling of the situation, warning that confronting soldiers from a highly contributing sector of the public could damage public trust in the military and widen societal divisions.

Earlier, three Givati soldiers were sentenced to 10 days in military prison for refusing to board the APC, which was designated for medical evacuation and included the female paramedic. The soldiers claimed their refusal was based on rabbinical guidance and concerned sharing the vehicle with the female medic, not the operational mission itself. Additional soldiers from the same unit are expected to face disciplinary action.

Rabbi Dror Aryeh had previously criticized the soldiers' punishment, arguing that commanders acted against military orders. Smotrich's endorsement aligns with this opposition to the soldiers' sentences.