IDF probes soldier over 'Time for violence' patch on uniform

The IDF says it is reviewing the conduct of a soldier photographed in the West Bank wearing patches reading “Stop the hatred, it is time for violence,” and “Hamas hunters,” after the image circulated online.

In a statement, the military stresses that wearing non-military symbols on IDF uniforms is strictly prohibited, and says the patch “does not represent the IDF or its values.”

“The IDF operates in accordance with the law, condemns violence of any kind, and views with severity any use of symbols that undermine the army’s stately character,” it adds.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of soldiers wearing unauthorized patches bearing religious, messianic and political messages — particularly in the West Bank — where unprecedented settler violence has drawn allegations that some troops have failed to intervene or, in certain cases, even assisted in attacks.