Insubordinate officer dismissed
Armored corps officer refuses to man roadblock meant to prevent infiltrators from reaching northern West Bank settlements slated for evacuation. Soldier's attorney: He didn't fully understand the order. Commanders: Officer will be removed
Ynet exclusive: An armored corps officer was dismissed from his post after several days ago he refused to man a northern West Bank roadblock aimed at preventing infiltrators from reaching settlements slated for evacuation.
The officer was questioned by Military Police interrogators and was held in custody for two days. IDF prosecutors decided the soldier will face disciplinary action, but his commanders called for a more severe punishment and said they refuse to take him back.
The officer, who is a second lieutenant, resides in the West Bank settlement of Ofra and serves as a platoon commander. He was detained last week.
However, the officer's attorney said his client did not refuse an order, but rather, did not fully understand what he was told to do.
"He thought he was asked whether he'd be willing to man the roadblock in the future and didn't realize he received a direct order," the attorney said.
However, the officer's commanders are furious at his actions.
"His behavior is not appropriate and we demand justice be served - an indictment must be filed in a court of law with suitable punishment, and he should have his
military rank," one commander told Ynet.
Should the soldier face disciplinary action, the commanders said they demmad he be tried before a senior officer with authority to hand out a more severe punishment.
