Ultra-Orthodox Commander Leaves IDF After Rabbi's Directive

An ultra-Orthodox commander serving in a classified technological unit within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has resigned from his service following a direct instruction from Rabbi Avraham Salam, a member of the Council of Torah Sages of the Shas party. The commander, who served in a select technological unit, decided to end his military career in recent days, as reported by Kan News.

During a conversation, Rabbi Salam reportedly told the commander, "Leave the IDF because it is at war with Torah scholars, and so that your family is not harmed because you are a soldier." The rabbi further clarified the boundaries of what is permissible, stating, "You can go for reserve duty, but do not take part in anything that will connect you more to the army."

Conversely, the commander recounted that at the beginning of his military service, particularly around the outbreak of the October 7th events, he received support from several senior rabbis. However, as the public rift over the conscription law deepened and enforcement measures and sanctions against draft dodgers intensified, the spiritual leadership's support began to wane.

Sources close to Rabbi Salam confirmed the details of the incident.