While the media focused on the handful of soldiers who were involved in displaying the anti-eviction banner on their S. Chevron Hills base this week, other combatants from the battalion have come forward, not necessarily frum soldiers, to tell the media that they stand by the side of their fellow combatants, unwilling to take part in evicting Jews from their homes.

Commanders of the Kfir Brigade, which includes Nachshon, began making the rounds following the latest incident, speaking with soldiers in the hope of explaining why the six soldiers involved in displaying the banner were imprisoned. They are emphasizing the need for subordination and following orders, the need to maintain a military chain of command or risk a breakdown in the IDF’s ability to function.

Some of the soldiers spoke ‘off the record’, explaining “we are not fools. We are not about to tell commanders that we will refuse orders. We know where that will take us. If they plan to send us to take Jews out of their homes however, they should not count on us to comply”.

While senior military commanders are adopting a hard-hand policy as expected and possibly demanded by the situation, they are also aware the insubordination is not widespread in the IDF, not even among the dati leumi soldiers [as the media alleges], who today representing the backbone of elite combat infantry units. 

One senior commander quoted anonymously in the daily Maariv explains that he is aware this represents a small minority of the soldiers, stating it is clear most of the dati leumi soldiers are loyal and understand the need for absolute compliance to orders, aware of the severe ramifications that may result as a result of a breakdown in discipline in the military.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)