Drama in the IDF: Over 100 Givati Fighters Leave Base, Abandoning Weapons
Fighters and commanders from the 'Tzabar' battalion went AWOL from the Sde Teiman base following a confrontation with their commander, who destroyed the units' heritage boards. 'AWOL, prison — it doesn't matter,' one commander stated.
A serious incident occurred on Thursday within the IDF: dozens of fighters and commanders from the 'Tzabar' battalion of the Givati Brigade left the Sde Teiman base without authorization. According to initial reports, more than 100 soldiers participated in the move, which was carried out in a relatively coordinated manner.
The decision followed a heated confrontation with the battalion commander, during which he broke the 'pugim' — metal or wooden boards displaying the morale slogans and symbols of the platoons and companies — in front of the troops. The act was perceived by many as a direct insult to the unit's spirit and identity.
Following the incident, the soldiers left the base taking only their personal belongings, leaving their weapons and military gear behind. According to testimonies, many of them have already returned to their homes.
One of the commanders present at the scene was heard telling the troops:
'Everyone here knows the consequences of what they are about to do. We are leaving together as a battalion now. I am satisfied with each and every one of you for what you are doing. There are new soldiers here who do not know the consequences, but it does not matter — AWOL, prison, it does not matter.'
The IDF has not yet provided an official response to the incident, which is considered one of the most unusual breaches of discipline and cohesion recorded in combat units in recent times.
