Opposition Slams Finance Minister Smotrich Over Support for Soldiers Refusing Orders

Israeli opposition figures have launched a barrage of criticism against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of "supporting insubordination" after he backed soldiers who refused to serve alongside a female medic.

The controversy erupted following an incident where three Golani Brigade soldiers were sentenced to ten days in military prison for refusing to board a vehicle carrying a female paramedic during a mission. The soldiers claimed their refusal was based on religious objections to serving with women in that capacity, citing instructions from their rabbis. Additional soldiers from the same unit are expected to face disciplinary action.

Smotrich publicly supported the soldiers, condemning their punishment and vowing to demand answers from the IDF. This stance drew sharp condemnation from opposition leaders.

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity party, accused Smotrich of "calling for insubordination" and undermining the IDF's command structure and values. Meav Cohen of the Yesh Atid party echoed these sentiments, accusing Smotrich of actively supporting the refusal of operational orders and linking it to his past opposition to female soldiers.

Yaya Fink, chairman of the Democratic Party, while not using the term "insubordination," criticized the religious arrangements for soldiers, suggesting they serve less time than secular soldiers and that some religious women do not serve at all. He emphasized that the paramedic's presence was a legitimate operational consideration.

Smotrich's office has not yet issued a formal response to the opposition's accusations.