IDF soldier’s ‘Mashiach patch’ sparks controversy in official photo from Gaza

The image, capturing the soldier alongside a Gazan child who had approached an IDF post before being safely returned, showcased a “Moshiach” (Messiah) patch and another depicting the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple). The patches, boldly displayed, mark a notable departure from past IDF uniform policies and have drawn both attention and commentary.

The soldier’s headgear harks back to a moment last year when former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi intervened to remove a similar patch from a soldier’s arm, insisting that uniforms bear “only military symbols.” That incident underscored a stricter stance on personal expressions within the ranks. However, the latest photo suggests a shift—or at least a moment of leniency—under new leadership. The IDF’s decision not to blur the patches, as might have happened previously, has fueled speculation about evolving attitudes within the military.

Channel 14’s Boaz Golan seized on the image, remarking, “Maybe the days of Moshiach have really come with this new Chief of Staff.” He added, “With G-d’s help, this will take us to a different place. This time, the IDF spokesman did not try to hide it—you see it proudly on a Jewish head. This is the Jewish nation, and this is what we are fighting for.” Golan’s enthusiasm reflects a sentiment among some that the patches symbolize a deeper cultural or spiritual resolve.

The timing aligns with the recent appointment of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who took office last week. Zamir addressed such matters directly, stating, “I do not intend to pull a patch off of any soldier’s arm—that is your job. I do not intend to busy myself with this, and you also do not want me to busy myself with it—that is the job of the chain of command.” His hands-off approach contrasts with Halevi’s, hinting at a broader tolerance for individual expression as the IDF navigates its mission in Gaza and beyond. The photo, patches and all, stands as a small but potent symbol in an ongoing debate about identity and purpose within Israel’s military.