Commanders, Gantz write letters supporting IDF chief of staff
Reserve battalion commanders pen open letter calling for unity, support of the IDF, especially during this tumultuous time following the Azaria trial, and in light of incitement against Eisenkot; 'attack on IDF is an attack on Israel.'
“An attack on the IDF is an attack on the State of Israel and its citizens, more so than any other event. It only helps our enemies,” they wrote.
In Gantz's letter, he wrote, "What you do is good and right." He lauded Eisenkot for not letting go of the values that "are the strong foundation of our professional character as those who serve in the IDF and the moral character of the IDF as the defender all strata of society in the country."
The Association for Former Members of Sayeret Matkal also expressed its support for Eisenkot, "who stands at the forefront of maintaining the IDF's moral code and its values," read a letter from the group.
The reservists' letter reads, “With the atmosphere of the last several days and the various things which certain members of the Israeli public have been saying - things which negatively affect the fragile social fabric of the state – and given the damage these calls make to confidence in the IDF and its commanders, we, the commanders of the reservists brigades of the IDF, would like to try and strengthen the IDF.”
They also called to stand with the “IDF chief of staff who stands at the head of those who provide the protective barrier around the state of Israel, and who protect the Israeli public.”
“We condemn statements that attempt to drive us apart and which only deepen the schisms in Israeli society,” the letter continued.
“(We condemn) statements which attack the democratic foundations (of Israel) and which attack the basic values of the IDF – the nation’s army.”
The letter ended by saying “Therefore, this is the time to strengthen the IDF for the benefit of the continuing existence of the country as a Jewish and democratic state. We would like to express our faith in the military, and to strengthen the commanders.”
