IDF removes insubordinate soldiers from hesder unit
In unprecedented move, military dismisses two troops who waved signs against evacuation of settlements. IDF says decision meant as cautionary message against disobedience
Colonol Gadi Agmon, commander of the Meitav Induction Base, has instructed the army to remove two combat soldiers serving in the Shimshon battalion of the Kfir brigade from the hesder project. His decision came after the two waved a sign last November that read "Nachshon doesn't evict (Jews) either."
The dismissal, initiated by Commander of Induction Base Meitav Colonel Gadi Agmon is considered to be an unprecedented step and will force the two to serve a regular three-year military term.
The soldiers were tried along with other battalion members for waving a sign against evacuation of settlements and were removed from combat duties, however the IDF sought additional action.
Colonel Agmon, who commands the induction base Meitav and is in charge of enlistment into the IDF summoned the two on Wednesday and announced that they will not be permitted to continue with the hesder program, which allowed them to complete a shorter 18-month military service.
The IDF's decision is considered first of its kind against soldiers who commit acts of insubordination. In the past, these acts were punished with disciplinary penalties and did not affect the participation of soldiers in hesder programs.
Sources in the IDF said that this the decision is meant to serve as a cautionary message to soldiers –if they belong to hesder tracks and do not obey orders, they might be removed.
The latest rift between the IDF and hesder yeshivot has been taking place both on the ground and between higher echelons. In the past few months several incidents have occurred, beginning in October when hesder soldiers protested and waved signs against the evacuation of settlements during a swearing-in ceremony of the Kfir brigade
All the soldiers involved were tried and dismissed from their units, however their actions received many applauds and even financial rewards from right-wing organizations.
Coincidently, the Ministry of Defense has begun taking action against "disobedient" yeshivot and recently canceled the arrangement with Har Bracha yeshiva following its chief rabbi's remarks in support of subordination.
