Smotrich Accuses IDF Chief of Staff of Harsh Punishment for Combat Soldiers

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed Wednesday that IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi instructed a harsh punishment for soldiers from the Givati Brigade who refused to operate in Gaza due to the presence of a female paramedic. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit vehemently denied the accusation, calling it a "complete lie" and a "despicable" attempt to attribute an unfounded directive to the Chief of Staff.

Smotrich stated in an interview with Radio Gal Israel that all levels within the Givati Brigade wished to resolve the matter internally, recognizing the soldiers as capable. However, he alleged, a directive from "somewhere high up in the General Staff" mandated severe punishment. When asked if the directive came from the Chief of Staff, Smotrich responded, "Unfortunately, yes."

The IDF clarified that the Chief of Staff did not intervene in the commanders' decisions regarding the punishment and issued no directive to increase it. The decisions were made by the commanders based on the incident's circumstances and have the Chief of Staff's full backing. The IDF stressed that the attempt to attribute a non-existent directive to the Chief of Staff is baseless and despicable.

Last week, 16 soldiers from the Givati Brigade's Rotem Battalion were court-martialed after refusing an order, which led to the cancellation of an operational mission. Five soldiers who led the refusal received 10 days of confinement, while 11 others received 5 days, with punishments determined by their level of involvement.

Smotrich had previously expressed support for the soldiers, stating they insisted on their right and duty to serve while upholding their values and faith, in accordance with the appropriate integration order. He added that the soldiers had the full backing of rabbis and directors from the Hesder Yeshiva Union, who had carefully examined the issue. Smotrich criticized the IDF's decision, warning it would damage public trust and create unnecessary conflict with a highly contributing segment of the population.

In response, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, accused Smotrich of repeatedly calling for insubordination and undermining the IDF. Eisenkot stated that Smotrich, as a minister, has promoted draft evasion during wartime and continues to work to dismantle the IDF, harm its command structure, values, and public trust, calling it "irresponsibility."