{
  "id": 4580954,
  "title": "Smotrich backs Givati soldiers jailed after refusing APC with female paramedic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/smotrich-backs-givati-soldiers-jailed-after-refusing-apc-with-female",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T05:54:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-907088"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "“I support the Givati soldiers who insisted on their right and duty to serve in the IDF while preserving their values and faith and while adhering to the Joint Service Order,” Smotrich said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "16 Givati soldiers sent to prison for refusing to enter APC with female paramedic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/16-givati-soldiers-sent-to-prison-for-refusing-to-enter-apc-with",
        "published": "2026-08-31T00:44:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}