Itamar Fleishman Criticizes IDF Radio Veterans Over Mutual Responsibility Debate

During a broadcast on Channel 14's program The Patriots, panelist Itamar Fleishman sharply criticized left-wing media outlets following the approval of the law concerning yeshiva students' detention. Fleishman specifically targeted former soldiers of Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio), accusing them of being the last people qualified to discuss the concept of mutual responsibility. He argued that many of those behind the negative coverage served in Galei Tzahal and therefore did not fulfill their military service obligations to the State of Israel or even to themselves.

Fleishman challenged these individuals to don military uniforms now and make amends for the years they did not serve in the IDF. He further questioned the idea of mutual responsibility as a guarantee for the state's survival, citing historical periods such as the time of the red booklet (conscientious objector status) and regional divides between kibbutzim in the Emek and Kiryat Shmona, where mutual responsibility was lacking.

Concluding his remarks, Fleishman accused his critics of hypocrisy and deceit, calling them "the biggest liars" and "hypocrites," which sparked reactions both in the studio and on social media. His comments reflect ongoing tensions in Israeli society regarding military service, national solidarity, and the role of media in shaping public discourse.