Settlers barricade themselves on a synagogue rooftop Photo: AFP
Renegade soldier calls for backup
IDF soldier considered missing from duty urges fellow troops to disobey orders during Kfar Darom evacuation; IDF Southern Command Head Dan Harel expresses disappointment at soldier's behavior
An IDF soldier considered missing from duty urged his fellow friends to disobey orders during the security forces evacuation mission in Kfar Darom Thursday.
"Brigadier General Gershon Hacohen, I serve in your division…I heard you say why this plan is bad," the soldier repeated over again during clashes between security forces and hundreds of Kfar Darom protesters barricaded in the settlement's synagogue and on its rooftop.
The soldier, who used a megaphone to convey his message, emphasized he belonged to the IDF and called for other troops disobey orders.
A Ynet investigation revealed that the speaker is an IDF staff sergeant who serves in a division sent to evacuate a number of settlements.
IDF officials told Ynet the soldier in question is nearing the completion of his compulsory service and is currently considered missing.
They also said the soldier is from a hesder yeshiva in Jerusalem and lives in Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv.
According to the officials, the soldier's actions are considered severe and he will be harshly dealt with following his arrest.
Soldiers, officers weep
IDF Southern Command Head Dan Harel was informed of the situation and expressed his disappointment at the soldier's behavior.
Meanwhile, a Military Police reservist was arrested after he admitted to "not being able to carry out the mission." He will face a disciplinary trail.
IDF Manpower Head Maj. Gen. Elazar Stern, visited Kfar Darom on Thursday and expressed his satisfaction, after no soldiers refused orders during the actual evacuation of the settlement.
"We are not going out to parties or celebrating. I believe we have come out of this stronger. Even the rabbis who called to disobey orders should be satisfied that this did not happen. It is proof we were well prepared," he said.
Stern said he saw soldiers weep and officers shed a tear during the implementation of their mission, "but it's normal and legitimate."
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