Rivlin defends IDF, says Israel will legally defend soldiers

President Reuven Rivlin defends the IDF during his speech at the Haaretz conference in New York, amid criticisms from right-wing activists over the Israeli leader’s decision to take part in the gathering, despite the fact that it will also be attended by representatives of lefty NGO Breaking the Silence.

Rivlin says the IDF is doing everything in its power to maintain a high moral standard, and says the State of Israel will do everything in its power to legally defend its soldiers.

Breaking the Silence is a group whose members are veteran IDF combatants who report, mostly anonymously, about alleged abuses they witnessed or took part in during their military service in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip.