Ya’alon urges officers defending values not be silenced by critics

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon is delivering a speech in which he is urging Israel Defense Forces leaders to keep speaking out against the “extremist minority” who, he says, are working to undermine Israel’s military values.

“In recent months, we found ourselves fighting against an extremist minority, working in the field and on social media. Some have infiltrated mainstream [Israeli] society, clandestinely and in disguise, and are trying to influence the image and values of the IDF,” Ya’alon says at defense headquarters in Tel Aviv.

The comments are likely in reference to criticism of the army for prosecuting soldier Elor Azaria for killing a wounded and unarmed Palestinian assailant in March, as well as criticism leveled against IDF deputy head Yair Golan for seemingly comparing some segments of society to prewar Germany.

He tells the officers to not be silenced by the opposition, some of which came from the highest echelons of the political order.

“Do not fear, do not hesitate, do not be deterred. Keep being brave not only on the battlefield, but also around the negotiating table,” he says.”A good army is an army whose officers, junior and senior alike, feel safe in their ability to speak their minds at all times with the knowledge they won’t be harmed.

“Keep acting in accordance with your humane conscience and moral compass, and not according to which way the winds are blowing,” he adds.

— Marissa Newman