Israeli troops in southern Lebanon were visited by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi last week, where he noticed some soldiers wearing unauthorized religious symbols on their uniforms, leading to a crackdown by the Israeli military. The “Messiah” patch, associated with a radical Zionist ideology, was removed from a soldier’s uniform by Halevi, who emphasized that only military insignia should be worn.
Earlier instances of soldiers wearing controversial patches, such as the ‘Greater Israel’ map, had sparked international outrage, illustrating the ongoing tensions within the Israeli military regarding symbols and ideologies. Orthodox Jewish groups criticized the actions of Halevi, arguing that it was unnecessary interference.
The involvement of Chabad-Lubavitch members in the military and their promotion of Messianic beliefs further complicates the situation, with videos showing the distribution of Messiah badges to soldiers. The clash between Orthodox communities and the military over symbols and ideology has escalated, amidst ongoing conflicts in regions like Gaza.
The intersection of Zionism, religious beliefs, and military service underscores the complex nature of Israel’s society and the challenges faced by the army in maintaining unity and discipline.