'Traitor,' 'Enemy of Israel': Dozens protest outside IDF chief's home after soldier punishment

Protesters hurled accusations of treason and enmity towards Israel at IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, demonstrating outside his home in the Sharon region. The protest erupted after Zamir ordered a soldier jailed for wearing a "Messiah" patch on his uniform during a visit to a guard post.

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The shocking attack on the chief of staff is a direct result of the incitement by Knesset members and ministers in the government against the IDF, its commanders, and its fighters.

Signs reading “traitor, enemy of Israel” were displayed by the dozens of activists who also waved Israeli flags and played loud music. The incident has sparked a sharp political debate, with opposition leader Yair Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett blaming the current government for inciting such actions.

Lapid stated on X that the attack on the chief of staff was a direct result of incitement by government ministers against the IDF. Bennett echoed this sentiment, holding the government responsible for promoting a draft-dodging law and attacking security officials. Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot also condemned the calls outside Zamir's home, calling them a "deep disgrace" and a severe warning sign for Israeli society.

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The government promotes the draft-dodging law, attacks on the chief of staff and other top security officials, and incites against anyone who dares to speak the truth.

MK Chili Tropper criticized the protesters, stating that calling the IDF chief of staff a traitor during wartime is inconceivable. He added that those who harm IDF commanders harm IDF soldiers, and that reckless individuals, some in official positions, are weakening the army and spreading lies.

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The shocking calls outside the home of the IDF chief of staff are crossing a bright red line, a severe warning sign for the future of Israeli society... Calling the IDF chief of staff, the commander of the IDF who has tied his fate to the security of the state, a ‘traitor’ and an ‘enemy of Israel’ is a deep disgrace.

The soldier was sentenced to 30 days in military prison. His platoon commander received a suspended sentence, while the company and battalion commanders faced reprimands and a formal mark on their record, respectively. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the punishment as excessive and damaging to morale.

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It is inconceivable that during wartime, protesters are standing outside the home of the IDF chief of staff and calling him a ‘traitor.’ Whoever harms IDF commanders harms IDF soldiers. Reckless people, some of whom hold official positions and some of whom hold microphones in their hands, are tearing us apart from within, weakening the IDF, and echoing lies.