Katz Vows to Address Givati Hesder Soldiers’ 21-Day Confinement

Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu asked Defense Minister Israel Katz during a government meeting to intervene in the punishment of a Givati Hesder platoon. Katz said he would address the matter after the meeting and clarify the regulations. The dispute began after three Rotem Battalion soldiers in Gaza refused to enter a Namer armored personnel carrier with a female paramedic, citing the Joint Service Order and rabbinic instructions. The entire platoon received 21 days' confinement, while the IDF considered removing the three soldiers from combat roles. The Union of Hesder Yeshivas said the punishment was unjustified.