Battalion commander Menahem of the Givati Brigade's Tzabar battalion told soldiers' parents Thursday that he broke wooden signs he described as 'satanic' and set a 16:00 deadline for absent soldiers to return without punishment, ynet reports. The move came after several soldiers left their base following the removal of the signs, which the commander said were linked to harmful hazing traditions.
Thursday's incident at the Sde Teiman base began when the Tzabar battalion commander, Menahem, broke wooden signs that soldiers had displayed on their company storage containers. The commander said the signs — featuring 'Satan' and 'Angel of Death' — were tied to 'young and veteran' hazing traditions (pazam) that he considers harmful. Soldiers responded by leaving their weapons and walking out of the base, according to the IDF spokesperson.
In a message to parents, the commander set a 16:00 deadline for absentees to return without punishment, warning that those who stay out will face AWOL charges and could lose their combat status. As of 15:06, no soldiers had returned. A platoon-level message later confirmed the 16:00 deadline.
The soldiers, in a statement circulated via social media, said the signs were part of unit tradition and represented 'spirit, unity, and strength.' They accused the officers of breaking something that gave them 'power, pride, and a smile.' The incident is being investigated by the commander, the IDF said.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, the broader discussion about unit traditions in the IDF continues. The commander's action has drawn mixed reactions.
18 developments
- StrongSde Teiman battalion commander sends message to parents: return by 16:00, no punishment
- StrongCommentator Dor P. releases full statement on Sde Teiman rebellion, quotes Ben-Gurion
- StrongReserve Colonel Yoni Shtabon slams Givati soldiers for abandoning Sde Teiman base
- DevelopingReport: Weapons of Sabra fighters abandoned at Sde Teiman base
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