IDF chief says it’s ‘intolerable’ that soldiers can’t move freely in Israel

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir speaks with the two servicewomen who were attacked by a mob of Haredi men in Bnei Brak earlier today, telling them that it is an “intolerable reality” that soldiers cannot move around freely within the country.

“I asked to speak with you to tell you that the IDF and I stand fully and clearly behind you. No one is permitted to harm your dignity or interfere with the important mission you are carrying out,” Zamir tells the two commanders from the Education and Youth Corps, who were in the ultra-Orthodox city for an official home visit to a draftee.

“You represent the entire IDF, and you have my full backing and that of the entire system. We will investigate the incident to ensure it does not happen again,” he continues, according to remarks provided by the IDF.

“A reality in which IDF soldiers, men and women, cannot move freely within the State of Israel is an intolerable reality that must be addressed. We will not accept harm to our soldiers, and I expect that the law will be fully enforced against those who harmed you,” Zamir adds.