The Israeli Minister Of Hardline Was Hit About The Punishment Of Soldiers Singing At The Mosque, IDF Chief Of Staff: Don't Threaten Me

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (second from the left). (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - Israel's National Security Minister has again drawn the spotlight after reportedly shouted at the Chief of Staff of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) regarding the punishment for the actions of his soldiers who were deemed to have violated the code of ethics.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reportedly shouted at IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi at an Israeli cabinet meeting earlier this week regarding the suspensions imposed by the IDF on several soldiers who recorded themselves singing Hanukkah songs through a loudspeaker system at a mosque in Jenin City, West Bank.

"Under no circumstances should they be dismissed," Ben Gvir told Lt. Gen. Halevi at the meeting, reported by The Times of Israel December 20.

Ben Gvir told Lt. Gen. Halevi the sentence was detrimental to the morale of the soldiers, according to a statement leaked to Channel 13.

Lieutenant General Halevi replied that the army's actions violated the army code of ethics and contradicted the values of the IDF.

"I am a member of the cabinet, I (have) a political rank. We decide," said Ben Gvir.

"You are wrong. I will decide what is meant by moral behavior in the army or not. Don't threaten me," replied Lieutenant General Halevi.

Several other ministers defended Lt. Gen. Halevi, asking Ben Gvir not to speak rudely to the IDF Chief of Staff.

"Mom, don't tell me what to do," Ben Gvir told National Unity Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton.

"Don't call me'mother'," replied Shasha-Biton quickly.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regretted the attitude of his colleague Ben Gvir, insisting he would continue to support the IDF Chief of Staff.

"I will continue to support the IDF and chief of staff in dealing with irresponsible politicians, who are trying to create political capital behind commanders who bear the burden of war," Defense Minister Gallant said in a statement.

It is known, Ben Gvir, who is a far-right politician, has sparked controversy several times since taking office. Earlier this year, his visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque Complex sparked criticism from within and outside the country.

He also ordered police to lower the Palestinian flag in public spaces. In June, he called for the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and wanted to see large-scale military operations in the region.

Some time ago, he emphasized the need to crush Hamas, and get rid of anyone who supports Hamas, during an interview by Channel 12.

During the conflict with Hamas that broke out since October 7, he also criticized permission from PM Benjamin Netanyahu's War Cabinet for allowing fuel trucks to enter Gaza during the conflict.

When the ceasefire lasted for a week at the end of November, he assessed that the deal on hostages could backfire. He then reminded PM Netanyahu not to underestimate the violation of the ceasefire later.

Most recently, earlier this week he criticized the government's way of dealing with the war with Hamas which has been going on for 73 days, saying it would leave the Prime Minister Netanyahu government coalition.