IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz met with senior rabbonim shlita affiliated with the nation’s hesder yeshiva network. Also taking part in the meeting were roshei yeshiva from the ‘Mechinot’, sometimes known as the IDF preparatory yeshivot.

Ganz had words of praise for the frum soldiers, for their commitment to the IDF, acknowledging their service in the premiere combat units and other areas of the military. He explained that the commanders are ultimately those who make decisions for soldiers, and the ultimate Halachic authority in the military is the IDF’s chief rabbi, in this case Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz.

Ganz has instructed Chief of Personnel Branch Major-General Orna Barvibai to implement this system, by which commanders in the field will have the discretion as to permit or prohibit soldiers from leaving kol isha events.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)