Smotrich Claims IDF Chief of Staff Pushed for Harsh Punishment for Givati Soldiers

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated on Sunday that senior figures within the Givati Brigade sought to resolve the controversy surrounding the Rotem Battalion soldiers who refused to enter a protected vehicle where a female paramedic was present. Smotrich claimed that these figures believed the soldiers were good fighters and that the incident should be closed. However, he asserted that the IDF Chief of Staff insisted on severe punishment for the soldiers.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Gal Israel, Smotrich elaborated that "someone at the General Staff level gave an instruction: we want severe punishment here." When asked if this individual was the Chief of Staff, Smotrich affirmed and added that he had verified this information. He argued that those within the brigade understood the potential for significant damage from confronting the soldiers, who are part of the most contributing segment of the public.

Sixteen soldiers from the Rotem Battalion were sentenced to actual jail time. Five received ten-day sentences, and eleven received five-day sentences. Smotrich had previously supported the soldiers, stating he would demand answers from the defense establishment. He expressed regret that "there are those in the IDF who choose a mistaken judgment to confront head-on the most serving and contributing public, in a way that will only create damage and harm public trust in the IDF."