The IDF has imposed disciplinary measures against 14 members of the Givati Brigade's Tzabar Battalion identified as leaders of a protest at Sde Teiman military base this week. Each soldier has been sentenced to 30 days in military prison and removed from combat service, with reassignment to non-combat roles.
The action follows a walkout by dozens of soldiers and commanders from the base. Approximately 80 additional soldiers who participated but later returned will not face imprisonment. Instead, they and their commanders will attend a command-led educational and disciplinary program this Shabbos focused on military discipline and unit standards.
Two additional soldiers identified as organizers have reported overnight and will face disciplinary proceedings at a later date. Another organizer who has not yet appeared will be addressed separately upon reporting.
Disciplinary hearings were conducted by Givati Brigade commander Col. Netanel Shamka. The investigation remains ongoing.
The protest began Thursday when soldiers and officers from the Tzabar Battalion left the base without authorization, departing without their weapons. The walkout was triggered by the battalion commander's decision to destroy the unit's metal "pogim" Plaques, which bore motivational slogans and traditions of the companies and platoons. Many soldiers viewed the destruction as damaging to the battalion's identity and esprit de corps.