A team operating in the IDF’s elite Egoz unit has been dismantled, with combatants insisting this is the result of their inability to rely on their commander. The IDF presents a different picture, explaining the members of this team are “problematic” and have in the past failed to adhere to instructions and violate army discipline.

The move is not a common one, especially in this case, dealing with veteran soldiers who are due to complete their service in the coming weeks. The unit is the very same which was showered with praise during Operation Cast Lead, for its heroic performance in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Some of the soldiers were wounded in the counter-terrorism offensive, yet they insisted on returning to their fellow combatants, refusing to remain in hospital.

The Egoz unit operates within the Golani Brigade, trained to excel in guerilla warfare.

The Office of the IDF Spokesman states the unit was dismantled due to its insubordination and failure to adhere to directives.

The commander in question is being promoted and will be serving as a deputy company commander in Golani.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)