IDF Recruit Detained for Protesting General Over Settler's Restraint Order

A conscript soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was detained on Tuesday, September 15, for protesting outside the Central Command base in Jerusalem. The soldier held signs directed at Major General Avi Bluth, the commander of the Central Command, whose office is located on the base. The protest signs read, "Avi Bluth, Enough with administrative orders" and "Avi Bluth, Stop persecuting Tal Inon Dardik." The conscript was demonstrating in support of Tal Inon Dardik, a settler suspected of severe violence against Palestinians.

Bluth had previously issued an administrative order for Dardik's house arrest, which was later modified under pressure from Defense Minister Israel Katz to a restrictive order requiring Dardik to leave Judea and Samaria. Police were called to the scene of the protest, and the soldier was taken to a police station in Neve Yaakov before being released. He is expected to appear before a military court later, according to Ynet.

Dardik is suspected of involvement in a violent incident against Palestinians in the village of Khirbet Homs in the Jordan Valley on the night of March 12-13, 2026. Reports indicate a group of 30-40 settlers armed with sticks attacked Bedouin villagers, including women and children. The attackers allegedly used sexual violence against one man, tied up several others, damaged property, and stole sheep. Four Palestinians required medical attention. Dardik is specifically suspected of participating in the abuse of a Palestinian man, including the use of a plastic zip tie on his genitals.

Despite intelligence information suggesting Dardik's involvement, no indictment has been filed due to insufficient evidence for a criminal trial. Instead, an administrative order was issued by Bluth, based on Shin Bet recommendations, for Dardik's six-month house arrest at his mother-in-law's home. When she refused, he was detained. The order was later changed on August 10, 2026, to a restriction barring him from Judea and Samaria, requiring him to report to a police station twice daily in Modi'in Illit. However, Ynet reported on September 15 that Dardik had also violated these conditions.

Daniil Shimshilashvili, the soldier's attorney from the right-wing organization Honenu, criticized Bluth's actions, stating, "The behavior of the district commander Avi Bluth towards Tal Inon Dardik is outrageous and causes protest. The more Dardik is oppressed, the more, in my opinion, we will see protesters unwilling to accept selective enforcement and such harsh discrimination against the pioneers of the settlement movement."