The Givati Brigade commander, Col. Netanel Shmaka, has sentenced 14 fighters from the Sabra battalion who led the incident in the battalion to 30 days in military prison and dismissal from combat roles, the brigade command announced. About 80 additional fighters who left the base and returned will undergo a command and educational process with their commanders. Two more soldiers who reported during the night will be judged later, and one soldier has not yet reported for trial.
The Givati Brigade command announced Friday the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings for the Sabra battalion incident, sentencing 14 fighters who led the event to 30 days in military prison and dismissal from combat roles. An additional 80 fighters who left the Sde Teiman base and returned will undergo a command and educational process with their commanders. Two more soldiers who reported during the night will face trial later, and one soldier has not yet reported for trial.
The incident began Thursday evening when over 100 Sabra fighters abandoned their base at Sde Teiman in what was described as a rebellion. By Thursday at 21:46 Jerusalem, the brigade commander opened court-martial proceedings. Initial reports that evening claimed 17 to over 20 soldiers had been sentenced, but the official announcement Friday confirmed the number at 14. The IDF also confirmed the sentences earlier Friday, aligning with the brigade command's statement.
The brigade commander described the incident as a serious event with no place in the IDF. The disciplinary actions aim to restore discipline and trust within the unit, which has been strained by the mass walkout and subsequent reports of shattered confidence among soldiers.
One soldier remains absent and has not yet reported for trial. The two soldiers who returned overnight will face judgment at a later date, and the educational process for the 80 others is expected to proceed this weekend.
13 developments
- StrongChannel 14 reports Givati Sabra battalion fighters laid down weapons, abandoned Sde Teiman base
- StrongIDF considers dismissing Givati soldiers involved in Sde Teiman rebellion, Channel 12 reports
- DevelopingCommentary: 'Immense damage' to Givati Brigade from rebellion, IDF command questioned
- DevelopingYair Goldblatt: Givati rebellion's core lesson is 'think before acting'
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