'IDF is built on values': Military chief Zamir denounces incidents of ethical failures by Israeli soldiers
In an address to a meeting of top IDF brass, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir reiterated the importance of ethics and values for the Israeli military, stressing that their erosion "can be as dangerous as operational threats."
During his speech, he specifically addressed recent incidents of soldiers wearing non-regulation patches with religious messages, reports of looting, and the defacing of a cross in Lebanon.
"The IDF is the army of the State of Israel, an army built on values. Even after more than two and a half years of intense combat, and amid polarized public discourse, the IDF continues to serve as an example of integration and joint action for one purpose—the defense of the State of Israel," said Zamir.
"I am aware that this has been a long and complex period, but the unethical incidents we have seen are not justified. We must not compromise on our values. The phenomenon of looting, if it exists, is disgraceful. If such incidents occurred, we will investigate them."
