By Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian news Finland
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned statements made by the Religious Zionism party against soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), calling the remarks “shocking.”
Netanyahu Defends IDF Soldiers
In a statement, Netanyahu said he “strongly rejects” the criticism directed at IDF troops by Religious Zionism, a political party in Israel’s governing coalition.
He emphasized that IDF soldiers whether Religious Zionism, secular, or ultra-Orthodox leave their homes, jobs, and families to serve, risking their lives to protect the State of Israel, its citizens, and the Jewish people worldwide.
Prime Minister Calls for Public Backing
Netanyahu said soldiers deserve “deep appreciation, gratitude, and full backing” from all segments of Israeli society, and added that this support should extend globally as well.
The statement did not specify the exact remarks made by Religious Zionism that prompted Netanyahu’s response, nor did it name individual party members responsible for the comments.
Context
Religious Zionism, led by Bezalel Smotrich, is a far-right political party that forms part of Netanyahu’s coalition government.
The party has previously been involved in disputes over military policy, including issues related to ultra-Orthodox conscription.
As of this report, Religious Zionism had not issued a public response to Netanyahu’s statement.
Israeli flag representing government dispute over Religious Zionism’s IDF remarks
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