Contrary to orders: Unusual incident during President's visit to Hashmonaim Brigade
An MDA volunteer was brought onto the Haredi brigade's base during the President's visit on the eve of Tisha B'Av. Her entry violated brigade procedures and IDF General Staff orders.
During the visit of the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, to the Hashmonaim Brigade on the night of Tisha B'Av, a Magen David Adom (MDA) volunteer was brought onto the base. This was in violation of the brigade's regulations and IDF General Staff orders prohibiting the entry of women into the base area. According to testimonies that reached "HaYom," the volunteer's entry was done with the knowledge of the brigade's commanders and sparked anger among the soldiers.
"The fact that the President is arriving does not justify breaking the rules upon which the brigade is based. She walked around near us and we saw her; the commanders constantly tell us that we must keep the rules, but apparently the President is more important," said one of the soldiers.
According to the soldiers, the event is particularly serious given that it occurred on the night of Tisha B'Av, a day of special significance.
An IDF Spokesperson stated: "For the President's visit to the Hashmonaim Brigade, an MDA ambulance was invited, in accordance with standard medical preparations. As part of this, a female paramedic was assigned to provide medical response if necessary.
In cases involving professional personnel, if their participation is necessary, the manner of participation is arranged in advance with an emphasis on avoiding direct contact with the brigade's soldiers. The visit to the Hashmonaim Brigade took place in accordance with the regulations and the unique service characteristics of the brigade.
Upon the team's arrival at the site, the paramedic stayed in a designated area and did not meet with the base's soldiers during the visit. In the future, this matter will be arranged in advance if necessary."
