100 Israeli Soldiers 'Desert' and Abandon Weapons; Reasons Revealed

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that 14 soldiers from the Tzabar Battalion of the Givati Brigade, who led a mass desertion from a military base in southern Israel on Thursday, have been sentenced to 30 days in military prison. Colonel Netanel Shamaka, Commander of the Givati Brigade, has also permanently removed these soldiers from combat duties, according to an Israeli military statement reported by the Times of Israel.

On Thursday, approximately 100 infantry soldiers laid down their weapons and left the Sde Teiman base in southern Israel after their battalion commander destroyed a decorative sign that had been installed at the base. The soldiers claimed the sign was part of their company’s tradition. However, the military stated that the sign contained material intended to demean junior soldiers, noting that IDF infantry units have a history of hazing new recruits.

In addition to the dispute over the sign, the mass desertion is allegedly linked to mistreatment by commanders. Online footage shows soldiers marching out of the base while shouting insults at their officers.