IDF Suspends Rabbi Who Criticised Chief Prosecutor

The IDF has suspended Rabbi Aviad Gadot from reserve service following remarks directed against the army’s chief military prosecutor, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi.

Gadot, a leading rabbi in the movement “Torat Lechima,” published a post on the organization’s X account in June suggesting that Tomer-Yerushalmi should be sent on a “high-friction foot patrol in Nablus” before issuing operational directives to IDF soldiers.

According to reports on Army Radio, the IDF’s chief military rabbi, Brig. Gen. Eyal Karim, reviewed Gadot’s service record and concluded that while he currently serves only in a rear-echelon role within the Military Rabbinate headquarters, his comments warranted disciplinary measures. The army decided to suspend him from reserve duty, with the possibility of a full dismissal still under consideration.

Gadot said he had not been formally informed of the suspension, adding that the decision was “unfamiliar to me and my commanders.”

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated: “The IDF is home to citizens from all parts of society and across the political spectrum, while upholding its orders and values. The IDF condemns such statements against commanders and service members.”

The case drew political reactions. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi expressed support for Gadot, arguing that if the chief military prosecutor had not personally visited operational areas before imposing restrictions on combat troops, “this should be a basic requirement for jurists who shape the rules of engagement.”

Karhi questioned the IDF’s public rebuke of Gadot, pointing out what he described as a lack of similar condemnation in other incidents of misconduct.