Avi Maoz to Givati fighters: "The army is turning its back on you"

Chairman of the Noam party, MK Avi Maoz, addressed the punishment imposed on Givati fighters who, according to his party's statement, refused to board a Namer APC together with a female paramedic. Maoz attacked the conduct of the army and the government, claiming it harms soldiers who seek to uphold their faith.

"Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, this is on your watch. You are turning your back on IDF soldiers," Maoz stated in response to the punishment. According to him, "Givati fighters, Rotem Battalion — you risked your lives with devotion in Lebanon, and the army is turning its back on you today."

Maoz added that "it is inconceivable that with one hand the army calls on the ultra-Orthodox to enlist, and with the other hand it harms outstanding soldiers who want to live according to their faith." At the end of his remarks, he called on the fighters to maintain their pride even if they are sent to prison: "Even if you are required to sit in prison — do so with your head held high and with Jewish pride. Free to be a Jew."