IDF Considers Removing Soldiers Who Refused to Ride with Paramedic in Combat Vehicle

Three soldiers from the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade, currently operating in the Gaza Strip, refused to board an armored personnel carrier (Namer) that had a paramedic inside. They claimed their refusal was based on instructions from their rabbis. Following this incident, all soldiers in the platoon, which consists of yeshiva students, were placed under a 21-day restriction order. The IDF also considered removing the three soldiers from combat roles.

According to reports from Channel 7, Rabbi Zvi Kostiner of Mitzpe Ramon Yeshiva and Rabbi Shlomo Shoshan of Beit Shean Yeshiva, whose students serve in the platoon, instructed their students not to enter combat vehicles with a paramedic present. When the three soldiers refused to board, other soldiers in the platoon were asked if anyone would ride with the paramedic, but none agreed.

The commanders imposed the group punishment of 21 days restriction on the entire platoon and contemplated harsher measures against the three soldiers who refused to comply. This event occurred amid ongoing operational activity in Gaza and highlights tensions regarding the integration of Haredi soldiers in the IDF, especially balancing religious lifestyle and military demands during combat.

The IDF has not yet issued an official response to the incident.