Pinchas Wallerstein, executive director of the Settlement Council, issued a statement condemning the actions of Shimshon Battalion soldiers who last week held protest signs during a Kosel swearing-in ceremony, stating they will not expel Jews from their homes.

Wallerstein stated there was no room for such action in the IDF, warning if the military becomes divided; it could have a devastating impact on the nation.

Responding to the statement was Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, the rav and rosh yeshiva of the Shomron community of Elkana, who called on Wallerstein to step down in light of his remarks. Rav Levanon added that if Wallerstein does not step down, he will resign as a member of the council.

The rabbi added that he encourages soldiers to express their opinions in public, a move that is contrary to IDF regulations.

The Save Israel SOS organization headed by Rav Dov Wolpe announced that the soldiers who held up the protest signs would be rewarded with a cash prize, as his organization has done in the past. He added their actions were a classic example of democracy in action.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)