Soldiers from an IDF company published a detailed statement Thursday, saying their battalion commander and other officers broke wooden signs that are part of the unit's tradition during a container inspection. The soldiers, who served in Gaza and Lebanon, describe the signs as symbols of company spirit and heritage, and say the action damages morale. 'We will not remain silent anymore,' they wrote.
The soldiers' statement, posted on Telegram, provides a detailed account of the incident. They say that after returning from Lebanon to the Shdeh Teyman training base, the company resumed routine military activity. Each company has a container storing unit equipment. Periodically, the battalion commander and officers conduct an inspection of the containers. Thursday, the battalion commander, company commander, deputy company commander, and another officer arrived to inspect the company's containers. During the inspection, the soldiers allege, without any justified reason, the officers took and broke signs that are part of the company's tradition.
The soldiers describe the signs as symbols that have accompanied the company for years, passed down from one generation of fighters to the next, and that went with them through months of fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. They say the signs are used when singing company songs and maintaining unit heritage. 'When you break these symbols, you break something of the fighters' spirit. After everything we went through, the small thing that gives us strength, pride, and a smile, was destroyed.'
The statement comes amid a broader discussion about unit traditions and treatment of soldiers in the IDF. The soldiers say this is only a small part of the treatment they experience from some officers. As The Zioneer reported six minutes ago, the initial allegations were made in a brief post. The full statement adds emotional weight and context to the incident.
3 developments
- StrongSenior military source: Most Givati soldiers who left base have returned, roll call pending
- StrongGivati Brigade commander condemns Sde Teiman incident
- DevelopingGivati Recon Unit Commander Lightly Wounded in Southern Lebanon Clash
- StrongReserve Colonel Yoni Shtabon slams Givati soldiers for abandoning Sde Teiman base
Source and signal
- Open-source intake