Soldiers from the Givati Brigade left their base without permission in protest against their commanding officers, according to reports. The IDF stated that the incident is being investigated and contradicts military values.
The IDF confirmed Thursday afternoon that over 100 soldiers from the Givati Brigade's Tzabar battalion left the Sde Teiman base without authorization, after their battalion commander broke the unit's morale plates (pogim) in front of them. The military stated that the incident is under investigation and stressed that the soldiers' actions contradict IDF values. The soldiers left their weapons at the base and drove home with their personal belongings, according to reports.
The incident first emerged around 13:30 Jerusalem time, when multiple outlets including i24NEWS and Ynet reported that dozens of Givati soldiers had abandoned their weapons and left the base in what some described as a "revolt." The IDF spokesperson initially confirmed that soldiers had left after the battalion commander removed signs linked to a non-normative unit tradition called "Tza'irot Vatikot" (young women and old women). As further details emerged, a report by Lidor Sultan specified that the commander broke the metal morale plates, triggering the mass departure of more than 100 troops.
The IDF has described the tradition as non-normative and inconsistent with military values. The unauthorized departure is being handled by commanders, and the military said it is investigating the matter.
The exact number of soldiers involved, the nature of their grievances, and potential disciplinary measures remain unclear. The status of the soldiers and whether they have returned to the base has not been officially confirmed.
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