Exposure: The IDF's new discipline document
The army is identifying a significant decline in the level of discipline among combat soldiers in the field. The situation comes after nearly three years of continuous fighting and ahead of the elections. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has recently clarified several times that he will not allow politics to be introduced into the IDF.
The IDF is identifying a significant decline in the level of discipline among combat soldiers in the field. In recent weeks, the army has begun to formulate an official foundational document aimed at redefining and sharpening values and orders. The situation comes after nearly three years of continuous fighting and ahead of the elections. The document is expected to also address sensitive issues regarding statehood within the IDF. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has recently clarified several times that he will not allow politics to be introduced into the ranks.
Following the situation and under the guidance of the Chief of Staff, the IDF began formulating an official foundational document aimed at redefining and sharpening values and orders, alongside an unequivocal clarification of what is permitted and what is forbidden. The document is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and distributed to all commanders. The move comes against the backdrop of several discussions held at the General Staff, where data on discipline in IDF units were presented to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the army's generals, showing a dramatic decline.
Disregard for military orders and ethical problems
The trend of loosening discipline is manifested in disregard for military orders and ethical problems, some of which have reached media coverage. About two months ago, a soldier wearing a 'Messiah' patch was sent to 30 days in military prison after Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir encountered him during a visit to the northern Samaria sector. The squad commander was sentenced to 14 days of suspended military imprisonment. Command actions were also taken against senior commanders: the company commander received a reprimand, and the battalion commander received a command note.
At the same time, another disciplinary incident occurred in which a picture was circulated in Arab media of an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon, seen inserting a cigarette into the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary. The IDF views the incident with great severity, emphasizing that the soldier's behavior deviates from the values expected of its fighters. The IDF clarified that the incident would be investigated and command measures would be taken.
In another incident, in a video that went viral, an IDF soldier is seen smashing a statue of Jesus. The command investigation of the 162nd Division, presented to Brigadier General Sagiv Dahan, led to severe disciplinary measures: the soldier who smashed the statue and the soldier who documented the incident were removed from combat duty and sent to 30 days in military prison. Furthermore, the IDF harshly criticized six other soldiers who were present at the scene and did not act to stop the act or report it, determining that it was a complete violation of army orders and the organization's values.
