Following the manslaughter conviction of IDF Sgt. Elor Azariya, a poll of military personnel was conducted in an effort to determine the aftermath. Hundreds of combat soldiers were polled and the results released in Haaretz, stating the rank and file of the combat soldiers are not pleased with the conviction. Following the conviction, only 41% of standing army and reserve duty soldiers feel their superior officers will back them up if they make an error in performance of their duties. This number increases to 51% when standing army personnel are asked, to the exclusion of reservists.

Soldiers were asked if they are satisfied with their immediate superior officer. Only 67% stated they respect their superior office as compared to 75% four years ago. On a more encouraging side, 73% of combat soldiers’ express satisfaction with their service, however, still a drop from 76% in 2014.

When asked if serving as a combat soldier is the most significant way to serve in the military, only 40% said yes, representing a sharp drop from 54% two years ago.

The IDF spokesman unit preferred not to comment.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)