IDF troops in Lebanon
Photo: AP
Jailed troops to be released due to war
Due to security situation soldiers jailed for minor offenses to be released from jail to rejoin their units
Ynet has learned that in light of the security situation dozens of incarcerated IDF soldiers will be released from military prisons and returned to their units.
“In times such as these it is important that soldiers with important duties remain in their units and prepare for any event, even if this means releasing them from jail early,” a military source told Ynet.
Until now four soldiers were pleased to hear of their imminent release from prison.
“It should be made clear that the soldiers slated for release are only those who were tried for minor offenses, not for defection or other serious offenses,” the source told Ynet.
“Me and a friend from the brigade were sentenced to 28 days in prison for disorderly conduct,” one of the soldiers said. “We sat only 10 days in prison before we were told this week that we are returning to the unit because of the war; we broke out laughing; we couldn’t believe it. Later I spoke with my commander and understood how important it is that we remain part of the company.”
IDF spokesman confirmed the report: "These are combat fighters and support troops in required positions. It is important to emphasis that these are soldiers who were tried in their units for minor disciplinary violations. They were released after considering individual inquiry into the violation, time served, and their commanders' opinions."
More discipline, more willingness
Many commanders in the IDF reported an increase in discipline in the past few weeks, in light of the latest security situation. Colonel Yoni Aryeh commander of the transportation center told Ynet that despite the fact that many soldiers in his unit are entitled to relief in service many of them asked not to take advantage of it and contribute the best they can.
"We are working in the transportation center 24 hours a day, shipping all kinds of equipment and transporting soldiers," said Colonel Aryeh. "It is a very difficult job but the soldiers volunteer and wish be part of the effort. Even the number of soldiers absent declined during this period. It seems that everyone wants to take part in the IDF operation these days."
