IDF Chief of Staff Defends Military Morality Amidst Criticism

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi addressed recent attempts to tarnish the reputation of Israeli soldiers and commanders, implicitly referencing the controversy surrounding the film 'Nezah Yehuda.' Speaking at an event honoring donors to the Association for the Wellbeing of Soldiers, Kochavi stated that countering these efforts is a "national and international mission."

Kochavi emphasized the Jewish concept of mutual responsibility, 'Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh LaZeh,' asserting that it reflects the individual's duty to the collective. He described the attempts to discredit IDF personnel as baseless lies and manipulations.

"This is a national and international mission, and we must stand on every stage and before every accuser and say clearly: The IDF is the most moral army in the world!" Kochavi declared. He further elaborated on the IDF's operations, stating, "In light of deliberate attacks on our civilians, in light of barbaric raids targeting civilian populations, in light of missile launches at city centers, we adhere to the IDF's values and international law and do everything in our power to avoid harming the innocent."