IDF Chief of Staff Defends Military Against 'False Propaganda'

Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has strongly condemned the anti-Israel film "Nez'a," labeling it as based on "baseless lies and manipulations." Speaking at a special event for donors to the Association for the Soldiers, Kochavi asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the most moral army in the world.

Kochavi defended IDF commanders and soldiers against what he described as attempts to harm the military's reputation and morality. He emphasized the importance of unity and standing firm against such efforts, particularly in the face of ongoing combat operations. He connected this to the Israeli concept of mutual responsibility, stating, "All of Israel are responsible for one another," and that this principle is being attacked through the "slander of IDF soldiers and commanders using baseless lies and manipulations."

"This is a national and international mission, and we must stand on every platform and in front of every claimant and say clearly: the IDF is the most moral army in the world," Kochavi declared. He highlighted the stark contrast between the cruelty of Israel's enemies and the IDF's strict adherence to combat norms, even during difficult campaigns.

"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 IDF values and international law and do everything in our power to avoid harming the innocent," Kochavi stated, underscoring the operational complexities and ethical commitments of the military.