Hundreds Protest IDF Soldiers' Detention Over Refusal to Serve With Female Medic

Hundreds of people, including reservist officers, rabbis, public figures, and families, protested outside Prison 10 on Tuesday evening. The demonstration was in response to the detention and punishment of several Givati Brigade soldiers who refused to board an Namer armored personnel carrier because a female medic was present.

Among the participants were senior reservist officers, yeshiva deans, rabbis, public representatives, and the soldiers' families. MK Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, spoke at the rally, emphasizing his view on the IDF's values. He quoted Deuteronomy, stating, "For the Lord your God walks in your camp to save you and deliver your enemies before you. Therefore, your camp must be holy." Maoz praised the soldiers for their adherence to their principles, calling them "blessed" for coming from religious study halls to a "commanded war" and for not compromising their values under pressure.

Maoz demanded that the soldiers be recognized for their actions rather than punished, stating they should receive a citation and serve as a model for all IDF soldiers. He described them as a "pillar of fire" in the struggle for Jewish identity and the spirit of the IDF. Maoz concluded by offering words of encouragement to the detained soldiers, calling them the "greatest free men" and an example of what it means to be "free to be Jewish."