In an unprecedented move, IDF soldiers have launched an online petition challenging a planned ban on donated military equipment. The protest comes as the IDF grapples with equipping an unexpectedly large number of reservists in the ongoing conflict.
The petition, which has gained traction among active-duty and reserve soldiers alike, paints a stark picture of troops lacking essential gear. "Soldiers' group chats are full of mentions of the lack of bulletproof vests, helmets, body armor, ballistic shields," the petition states, listing a litany of critical equipment shortages.
At the heart of the controversy is Major General Tamir Yadai's recent announcement that using donated gear could result in "severe punishment." This directive has struck a nerve with soldiers who claim the donations are filling crucial gaps in IDF-provided equipment.
The soldiers argue that the influx of 350,000 reservists—exceeding 100% of expected turnout—caught the IDF unprepared. In response, they say, overseas donors stepped in to provide life-saving equipment that the army failed to furnish.
The petition doesn't just highlight equipment shortages; it levels serious accusations at IDF leadership. Soldiers claim their superiors are "photographed on various television channels wearing the most advanced equipment which has never been used even once," while troops on the front lines make do with "worn and outdated equipment."
This equipment crisis, the petition suggests, goes beyond mere inconvenience. Soldiers argue that the lack of proper gear amounts to "criminal negligence" that endangers lives and compromises their ability to "win the war against our cruel enemies."
For its part, the IDF maintains that all soldiers receive necessary equipment, denying any shortages. However, this stance seems increasingly at odds with the ground-level reality described by troops.
With soldiers taking the unusual step of publicly challenging their commanders, the IDF faces not just an external enemy, but an internal crisis of confidence that could have far-reaching implications for Israel's defense strategy.
* Israel National News contributed to this article.