1. The contention that the IDF “persecutes” Orthodox Jews is nonsense. In fact the majority of the candidates in officer training courses are Orthodox. Army kitchens are kosher and it is assur to bring chametz on bases during Pesach – and a son of one of my friends said that his base is even kitniot-free.
2. It is a mitzva d’Oraita to serve in the IDF (Ramban Sefer HaMitzvot Mitzvot that Rambam “forgot” Mitzva 4, Rambam Hilchot Shabbat 2:23 and Hilchot Melachim 7:4, Mishpat Cohen 143, Tzitz Eliezer 13:100)
3. All those who meavzeh rabbanim and quote sharp statements of gedolim should learn Baba Metzia 83b regarding what a gadol may say and what an am ha’aretz may say.