Religious Zionist Activists Protest Jerusalem Entry Over Soldier Discipline

Activists from the Religious Zionist movement protested at the entrance to Jerusalem near the Chords Bridge on Monday evening, following the detention of 16 soldiers from the Givaty Brigade's Rotem Battalion. The soldiers were reportedly detained after refusing a command related to an operational activity in the Gaza Strip. The protest led to intermittent blockades of traffic routes in the area, prompting police intervention to clear the roads and restore public order.

The soldiers' refusal stemmed from their objection to a female paramedic participating in the operation. Following the refusal, the planned operation was canceled and an investigation was launched by command authorities. The protest saw activists blocking traffic, including the entrance to the city, disrupting daily life. Police reported that protesters surrounded an elderly man's vehicle, preventing him from proceeding, and officers intervened to allow him to continue his journey.

In response to the incident, 16 soldiers were disciplined. Five soldiers who led the refusal were sentenced to 10 days in military prison, while 11 others received 5-day sentences. The sentences were determined by the battalion commander based on each soldier's level of involvement. Additionally, two of the five soldiers sentenced to 10 days will undergo an assessment committee before returning to combat duty.