Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jul 30: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun preparing a new "foundational principles document" aimed at redefining the military's core values and clearly outlining acceptable and prohibited conduct for its personnel, according to media reports.
The document is expected to reaffirm the IDF's nonpartisan character ahead of upcoming elections and provide commanders with clear guidelines to prevent political influence within the armed forces. It is likely to be finalised in the coming weeks before being circulated across all military units.
The move follows a series of internal discussions by the IDF General Staff after reports indicated a decline in discipline and an increase in ethical violations among personnel.
According to reports, senior military officials presented data to IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir highlighting concerns over growing instances of indiscipline, including disregard for military orders and conduct inconsistent with the force's code of ethics.
In recent months, several incidents involving IDF personnel have drawn public attention. Two months ago, a soldier was sentenced to 30 days in military prison after being found wearing a "Messiah" patch on his uniform during an inspection by the Chief of Staff. Disciplinary action was also taken against his commanding officers.
In another case in May, a soldier received a 21-day prison sentence for desecrating a Christian religious symbol in southern Lebanon, while another soldier who recorded the incident was sentenced to 14 days in military prison.
Earlier in April, an IDF soldier was filmed damaging a statue of Jesus. Both the soldier involved and the individual who recorded the incident were removed from combat duties and sentenced to 30 days in military prison. Six other soldiers present at the scene were reprimanded for failing to prevent or report the incident.
The IDF stated that the actions of the soldiers involved were inconsistent with military orders and violated the organisation's ethical standards.
The proposed principles document is expected to reinforce discipline, professionalism and ethical conduct while ensuring the military remains free from political influence.