IDF to begin combat processing program for Givati soldiers following mass walkout from Sde Teiman

The Israeli military's 162nd Division will initiate a combat processing program for soldiers in the Givati Brigade after hundreds walked out of the Sde Teiman base due to a dispute with senior command staff. Brig.-Gen. Sagiv Cohen, commander of the division, made the decision for the Tzabar Battalion soldiers to participate in the program upon their return from leave.

The program is designed to focus on discussions with organizational consultants and mental health officers, offering soldiers a platform to share their combat experiences. It will also identify soldiers who require targeted assistance and individual treatment. Tensions reportedly remain high within the brigade, exacerbated by severe disciplinary measures imposed after the incident, including removal from combat duty and revocation of combat service certificates, which provide significant benefits post-service.

The walkout stemmed from a disagreement over senior commanders' orders to remove insignias displayed within the battalion's companies. Soldiers opposed the removal, but the battalion commander reportedly insisted. When an agreement could not be reached, hundreds of troops left the base. One soldier described a commander using a hammer to destroy an insignia.

In response to the incident, 14 soldiers identified as leaders of the walkout were sentenced to 30 days in military prison and removed from combat service. Two additional soldiers face disciplinary proceedings later. The IDF has not yet decided whether the soldiers will be released home before the processing workshop or remain at the base to ease tensions.

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