Givati Brigade commander Col. Natanel Shamcha addressed the rebellion in the Tzabar battalion, saying hazing and harassment of young soldiers emerged and will not be tolerated. He stated the battalion commander found signs used in hazing ceremonies, and that no symbols of fallen soldiers were involved. He said he spoke with bereaved families, who confirmed no harm to honor.
Givati Brigade commander Col. Natanel Shamcha addressed the rebellion in the Tzabar battalion on Thursday evening, providing the first detailed official response to the incident. In his statement, Shamcha acknowledged that 'many phenomena of hazing and harassment of young soldiers have emerged' and vowed that the unit will not tolerate it. He said the battalion commander found signs used in hazing ceremonies. He denied that the incident involved symbols of fallen soldiers, a claim that had circulated in reports. Shamcha said he had spoken with bereaved families, who confirmed that no one's honor was harmed. The commander noted that in the past, soldiers had left the brigade for mental health reasons out of fear of abuse by veteran soldiers. The military has been investigating the matter, and the commander indicated that the unit is working to eradicate the phenomenon.
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