Smotrich backs Givati soldiers jailed after refusing APC with female paramedic

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed support on Monday for religious Givati Brigade soldiers who refused to board an armored personnel carrier with a female paramedic during a mission in Gaza, stating he would seek answers from the IDF regarding the handling of the situation. The soldiers were court-martialed instead of criminally prosecuted on Sunday, according to IDF sources.

A second IDF source confirmed the disciplinary proceedings, adding that the military is disappointed the information was released prior to the verdicts. Smotrich highlighted the backing of rabbis and directors from the Hesder Yeshivot Association, who examined the matter thoroughly and backed the soldiers' decision. Despite his hope for the IDF to address the issue, Smotrich, as the leader of Religious Zionism, will demand answers from the military due to the refusal of the soldiers to serve under these conditions.