3 soldiers who refused to return to fighting in Gaza have prison sentences commuted

Three soldiers of the Nahal Infantry Brigade who were given prison sentences for insubordination after refusing to return to fight in Gaza will not be jailed after public outcry.

The commander of the Nahal Brigade met the three troops this evening to “hear their claims,” the IDF says.

The IDF says that during the conversation, “the brigade commander expressed his appreciation to the troops for their work in the war, while emphasizing that troops are expected to maintain military discipline in times of war and fulfill their mission, fighting on the battlefield.”

“In light of the unique circumstances,” the Nahal Brigade commander decided to commute their prison sentences, the military says, and instead, the soldiers will be required to stay on their base for a prolonged period.

The three soldiers will still be dismissed from combat duty. They are set to be transferred to non-combat roles in the army, alongside “support and treatment from their commanders and mental health officials,” an IDF official adds.

The troops claimed they could not return to another round of fighting in Gaza due to “a deep internal crisis,” after several of their comrades were killed.

The IDF had initially determined that they were fit for combat and sentenced them to jail for insubordination, leading to protests against the move.