An IDF soldier from the Golani Brigade was removed from combat duty due to wearing a “Moshiach” patch during operational activity in southern Lebanon, Arutz Sheva reported.

The move came after the IDF removed the religious soldier from Lebanon on Shabbos for wearing the patch.

During disciplinary proceedings, the soldier argued that he had been subjected to unnecessary Chillul Shabbos because there was no operational need to remove him from Lebanon. However, the battalion commander maintained that the incident constituted a serious disciplinary offense and operational considerations justified removing him from the combat zone on Shabbos.

The head of the Religious Zionist academy where the soldier learned slammed the decision in a conversation with Arutz Sheva.

“It makes no sense to impose a disproportionate punishment that harms the motivation of soldiers who are risking their lives for the people and the country,” he said. He added that there was no justification for removing the soldier from Lebanon on Shabbos.

The soldier’s comrades also criticized the decision, saying it had created a strong sense of injustice within the unit. “It’s absurd that during such an intense period of fighting, the army is dealing with things like this,” the soldiers said.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)