Chief of Staff: I shut down Rabbi Levinstein’s work with the IDF
July 26, 2016IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot addressed the Knesset Foreign Relations and Security Committee on Tuesday, warning that the greatest threat to the Israeli army today is not external, but the potential loss of public trust.
Eisenkot argued that Israel’s political leadership regularly interfered in internal army matters and even openly attack the army establishment, causing long-term damage to the IDF.
The Chief of Staff then listed a number of recent examples of political interference or politicization of the army’s affairs.
Citing the ongoing trial of Elor Azariya, a soldier accused of manslaughter after killing a wounded terrorist in Hevron, said what should have been a straightforward investigation into the soldier’s actions quickly became a heavily politicized media circus.
“Recent statements on ongoing investigations by the command system or army judicial system are inappropriate and do not impact the internal processes within the IDF. Much has been said without factual knowledge to advance agendas unrelated to the IDF. We want an army that follows orders, open-fire regulations, and the spirit and values of the IDF. If someone wants [things to be run by] a gang mentality, let them say so.”
Eisenkot’s committee testimony also touched upon the role of religion in the IDF. The Chief of Staff rejected calls for the creation of a separate branch within the army dedicated to the strengthening of Jewish identity.
The Chief of Staff also responded to questions regarding his support for Rabbi Eyal Karim, who has been nominated to serve as IDF Chief Rabbi, noting that despite his prior objections to women serving in the army, Rabbi Karim has since been praised for his work in integrating servicewomen in the IDF. He added that the decision to reaffirm the nomination came after meeting with Rabbi Karim and a discussion regarding his past statements. Rabbi Karim apologized for his prior comments, Eisenkot noted, and his nomination was reaffirmed.
Regarding Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, founder of the Bnei David pre-army academy in Eli whose controversial comments on gays drew sharp criticism, Eisenkot revealed that he had ordered a halt to all joint operations between the IDF and Rabbi Levinstein.
“The enterprise founded by Rabbi Levinstein prepared many fighters and officers for the IDF, and he has merit in that, but it does not remove the gravity of his comments which must certainly be taken into account.”
Similar posts
-
Israel Has The Most Moral Military In The World
April 10, 2024In the heart of a region often riddled with conflict, Israel stands out not only for its technologi...
-
The Resilience of the Israeli People
April 2, 2024Visitors from around the world have seen Hamas's October 7th Massacre's destruction in southern Isr...
-
Israel: Small Size, Big Impact
March 21, 2024Nestled along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is a land of immense historical sig...
-
Israelis Are Fighting For Their Lives
February 21, 2024By Jonathan S. Tobin The world looks a lot different from Kibbutz Kfar Aza than it does in the U...
-
Over 2 Million Arabs Live In Israel
January 23, 2024In the complex landscape of the Middle East, where diverse cultures and identities intersect, Israe...
-
'Fauda' Star Idan Amedi Injured Fighting in Gaza
January 8, 2024Despite the severity of his injuries, Amedi's father assured Israeli news channels that his life is...
-
Israel Is A Great Country To Live In
December 28, 2023Nestled at the crossroads of the Middle East, Israel stands as a vibrant and dynamic nation, offeri...
-
Women's Empowerment in Israel
December 15, 2023In recent decades, Israel has witnessed a remarkable evolution in the status and empowerment of wom...