Ex-IDF Spokesperson Joins Breaking the Silence Organization

Ayelet Kreizer, who grew up in the Haredi community and enlisted in the IDF during the war after renouncing her exemption from service, has been appointed spokesperson for the "Breaking the Silence" organization. This move from a role in the military's public relations system to an organization known for its sharp criticism of IDF operations has sparked controversy on social media.

Kreizer stated in a post that she decided to enlist in the army about three years ago out of a desire to help defend the country. However, during her service in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, she claims her views changed after being exposed to certain realities. She described her role as being involved in conveying information to the media and formulating the army's messages to the public.

She now alleges a significant gap between the reality on the ground and how events are presented to the public. Kreizer claims she was involved in tailoring military messages for media and public relations purposes, even stating she "played with the details that go out to the media" as part of her routine service. She also asserted that the term "terrorist" was applied to Palestinians she believed were not involved in terror activities, and that public messages were adapted for different target audiences.

Following her discharge from the IDF, Kreizer has joined "Breaking the Silence," an organization that collects and publishes testimonies from soldiers about IDF operations in the West Bank and Gaza. In her new role, she will be responsible for the organization's public relations and media messaging.

The announcement of her appointment has drawn sharp reactions, particularly due to the direct transition from the IDF's public relations to an organization focused on critiquing the military. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen reacted with shock, stating it revealed "how much sickness there is in the systems and how deep you have penetrated." Journalist Avishai Grinzaig questioned Kreizer's claims, calling her assertion that her service involved labeling uninvolved individuals as terrorists or manipulating reports on Gaza strikes a "blatant, bordering on delusional, lie," while acknowledging her right to earn a living.