Final punishments doled out to Givati soldiers after mass walkout at Sde Teiman base

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has concluded disciplinary actions against four soldiers from the Tzabar Battalion at the Sde Teiman base, who were involved in a recent mutiny. The incident, which saw hundreds of soldiers walk out of the base, stemmed from a dispute with senior commanders over the removal of insignias.

According to soldiers within the brigade, senior commanders decided to destroy and remove insignias displayed in the battalion's companies. The battalion commander reportedly insisted on their removal despite opposition from the soldiers. One account described a commander using a hammer to destroy one of the insignias, leading to the mass walkout when an agreement could not be reached.

Of the soldiers involved, three who led the mutiny were sentenced to 30 days in military prison and will be removed from combat roles. A fourth soldier, who was on discharge leave at the end of his mandatory service, received a 20-day military prison sentence and will also be removed from combat duty.

Earlier, 14 soldiers identified as leaders of the walkout were sentenced to 30 days in military prison and removed from combat service. Two additional soldiers, also considered leaders, faced disciplinary proceedings later. The IDF opted for lighter measures for approximately 80 other soldiers who participated in the walkout but returned to the base.

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One of the commanders used a five-kilogram hammer to destroy one of the insignias.