Israeli Soldier Investigated for Mutiny Call Against Hamas
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a criminal probe into a soldier who called for a mutiny in a viral video if the government does not achieve a “complete victory” against Hamas. In the footage, a masked reservist addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expresses support for him, stating that they refuse to hand over control of Gaza to any Palestinian or Arab entity. The video was shared by Netanyahu’s son, Yair, who lives in Miami and is not involved in the war. The soldier also criticizes Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and demands his resignation.
Reservist soldiers, according to the soldier in the video, are fully behind Netanyahu and want to win. The soldier claims that he and the 100,000 reservists called up for the war would station themselves on the border of Gaza if the government does not pursue eliminating Hamas. He threatens to refuse any orders from Gallant and calls on Israeli citizens to join them at the border. The soldier emphasizes that their fallen comrades did not die in vain and were victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
The IDF has initiated an investigation into the video, calling it a serious violation of their orders and values. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has instructed all commanders to address the issue with their troops. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid labeled the video as “dangerous and disastrous,” criticizing Netanyahu supporters who shared it as an attempt to evade responsibility for the ongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, in northern Gaza, Palestinians fled Jabalia as the Israeli military continued its operations against Hamas fighters. Additionally, efforts to provide aid to starving Gazans through a $320 million US-constructed pier have faced challenges. Only 820 tons of aid were delivered via the pier in its first week of operation, with several trucks being raided by desperate Palestinians on their way to their final destination. Furthermore, the IDF is investigating a video showing troops at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City burning books, including a Quran.
The soldier’s call for mutiny reflects the deep divisions within Israeli society regarding the handling of the conflict with Hamas. While some argue for a complete victory and the elimination of Hamas, others, like Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, advocate for a different approach to post-war governance in Gaza. The soldier’s video highlights the frustrations and tensions among reservists who feel strongly about their mission and the need for decisive action against Hamas. However, it also raises concerns about discipline and unity within the IDF.
Critics, such as Yair Lapid, view the video as a dangerous undermining of the military chain of command and an attempt to shift blame away from Netanyahu’s leadership. They argue that such actions only serve to further destabilize the situation and hinder efforts to resolve the conflict. The ongoing investigation by the IDF reflects the seriousness with which they regard the soldier’s statements and emphasizes their commitment to upholding their values and orders.
The challenges faced in providing aid to Gaza through the constructed pier highlight the dire humanitarian situation in the region. The desperation of Palestinians resorting to raiding aid trucks underscores their urgent need for assistance. The international community must continue to address these humanitarian concerns and work towards finding a sustainable solution to bring stability and peace to Gaza.
