Minister Ofir Sofer Criticizes Left-Wing Group Brothers In Arms, Admits Mistake

Israeli Minister Ofir Sofer publicly criticized the left-wing organization Brothers In Arms, stating that its activities before the October 7 Hamas attack harmed both the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli society. Sofer explained that he visited the organization's command center shortly after the attack, which was set up to assist reservists and southern residents, with the intention of promoting national unity and opening a new chapter. Despite the group's previous actions, Sofer extended a hand in hopes that Brothers In Arms would change its approach and engage in constructive dialogue.

However, Sofer later concluded that the organization had not altered its stance or methods. He said, "Unfortunately, shortly afterward I realized their intentions remained the same and the path did not change. I tried, and I was wrong." The minister's remarks came after a video resurfaced showing his visit to the group's command center in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 massacre. Sofer emphasized that the group's pre-attack conduct was illegitimate and damaging, and expressed regret over his initial willingness to collaborate with them.