This attitude is very common in the Russian army. Things get so out of control there that soldiers actually die from abuse inflicted on them by commanders or fellow soldiers. Many Russian parents prefer to emigrate rather than let their sons serve in such an environment. Israel should not import these attitudes into an IDF proud of its patriotic courage and humane treatment of other human beings.

B"H - As people put their hopes and aspirations in it, the IDF became an idol and now it behaves as such.

I have to say that this horrible practice is very rooted in the Russian Army. And it seems like it's being exported to Israel by soldiers of Russian origin. This practice is called "grandfathering" in Russia and has practically destroyed the Russian army from within. Parents and kids are refusing to join the army because of it. The lawyer of one of the accused is completely wrong. The way to deal with it is #1 aggressive prosecution - give them many years in the military jail. This will let them know it's NOT OK. Education and awareness is good but only #2. Please don't let this cancer take over the IDF or it will rot from within!

This article is an exaggeration. It makes this look much worse than it is. These "rods" are thin wooden sticks that break very easily. Also, this is considered a game. And every rookie soldier has the option to either play or not play. The decision of which is respected. Ultimately this is just light hazing. Having experienced this myself as a rookie, I can state with absolute assurance that this is overly exaggerated. This actually builds a better sense of brotherhood and comradeship between the platoons. Its not only mindless beating. The senior soldiers sit with the rookie soldiers and teach them. The senior soldiers having been in the battalion longer, have a stronger sense of professionalism in what they do. And they pass this down to the rookies. They do exercises with the rookies to make sure that they're doing everything properly and efficiently. They hand them down items (such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, rifle slings, better field equipment, etc) which have been passed down from senior soldier to rookie soldier for years. Tzabar is one of the top battalions in the army. Givati is a top brigade. They are courageous, devoted, and persevering soldiers. Whose bravery deserves better than this libellous article.

You do mention many good points of the Givati Brigades traditions. We all know that they go through some very serious and severe training. All accepted. This does NOT excuse the introduction of violence and beatings by soldiers of soldiers. And yes, I do agree that the commanders must also be punished along with those that are actually committing the crimes (the beatings). Education is important. Punishment is a large part of that education!

The brotherhood should develop from training together not this type of bs. Ur not college footbal americans, ur israeli soldiers, grow the F up. I'm coming to join soon, and I won't tolerate any of this silly bs.