4 rebellious soldiers sent to jail
Sixteen Haruv Battalion soldiers abandon base in protest of being assigned guard duties despite their 'veteran' status. Battalion commander orders jail time for soldiers and dismisses two of combat duty
Ynet reported Tuesday that 16 Kfir Brigade combat soldiers have deserted their base near Beit El following a conflict with their commanders. The soldiers claimed they should be exempt of guard duties due to their seniority.
The investigation revealed that the four soldiers who led the escape have a history of disciplinary offenses. The battalion commander therefore decided to take a firm hand in disciplining them.
The remaining 11 soldiers were sentenced to 25-28 days of detention in their base. During this period they will not be regarded as combatants and will perform other duties.
IDF sources reported that the battalion commander has examined each case individually and has spent many hours deliberating the sentences in order to ensure a fair procedure.
One source stated, "Most of the soldiers have agreed to return to the base. Shortly after the incident, they expressed regret and withdrew their criticism against their commanders. On one hand they were given a punishment suitable for the severity of the offense and on the other hand it will eventually enable them to return to their company and resume operational activity."
Grueling service
One soldier's father, whose son participated in the mutiny, said his son and his friends resorted to the extreme act in light of their arduous and exhausting military service. He claimed that the troops were bitterly disappointed they did not get benefits upon the arrival of younger soldiers to the battalion.
A senior military source told Ynet the battalion has numerous operational achievements under its belt, and that one irregular incident should not tarnish the unit's reputation.
In June 2008 a similar incident occurred at the same brigade. 15 Shimshon Battalion soldiers abandoned the brigade's training base in the Jordan valley in protest of what they referred to as "harassment" by their commanders and after they were withheld leaves, including during the holidays. They consequently left the base, but were convinced an hour later to return. They were sentenced to 21-28 days of imprisonment.
