Hesder Yeshivas Union Criticizes Military Punishment for Refusal

The Union of Hesder Yeshivas has responded to the controversy surrounding soldiers who refused orders, stating that the punishment handed down was "disproportionate" given the broader context. The incident involved 16 soldiers from the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade who refused to embark on an operational patrol in an armored personnel carrier alongside a female paramedic. Five of the soldiers leading the refusal were sentenced to ten days in military prison, while eleven others received five-day sentences. Two of the five soldiers who received the harsher punishment will undergo an evaluation board before returning to combat.

The Union of Hesder Yeshivas, in a letter to its rabbis and students, explained that the incident stemmed from a long-standing issue of "mixing of male and female combatants" during operational duties, which they claim violates religious law and the soldiers' spiritual world. They stated that Hesder Yeshiva rabbis have been warning for a long time about the continuous violations of the joint service order and the way personnel are being built in the IDF without considering this reality. The union emphasized that soldiers are being forced into an "impossible conflict" between their faith and their loyalty to the army, which harms both the soldiers and the IDF.

The union argued that such complex situations require the army and commanders to build a system based on trust, where commanders understand their soldiers and reflect reality accurately. They called for prioritizing the adherence to joint service orders by IDF commanders and ensuring that religiously observant soldiers can serve according to their beliefs. Conversely, soldiers must trust their commanders and perform their duties, obeying orders in operational situations that have been approved by relevant authorities and the military rabbinate.

Regarding the specific incident, the union noted that the platoon involved was an "excellent unit" that had fought bravely, with some soldiers wounded. They suggested that a crisis of trust with direct command, stemming from a lack of adherence to religious law and orders, and presenting false information to soldiers, contributed significantly to their decision. The union urged the army to investigate the matter thoroughly and address such issues with the seriousness they deserve, reiterating that the severe punishment was not appropriate given the full picture.

In conclusion, the union praised the soldiers for their bravery and commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the camp. They acknowledged the IDF's desire to change and address existing problems, calling for immediate action to rectify deep-seated deficiencies in order adherence and force building. They stressed the need for a unique and continuous approach to maintain the delicate partnership within the IDF.