Knesset member Tally Gotliv (Likud) had a strong reaction to a false report circulating on social media regarding the removal of a tank commander who allegedly ran over a sign expressing support for Gaza. Gotliv criticized Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the head of the General Staff, and the IDF high command for their response.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gotliv expressed her discontent: “The Chief of Staff, in yet another misguided nod to the 'uninvolved' Gazans who ridicule Israel, has now removed a tank commander who ran over the 'I ❤️ Gaza' sign. According to the Chief of Staff, this action does not align with the army's ethos. Dear Sir, this is an act that matches the humiliation of the enemy I dared! The 'uninvolved' who aid in concealing both living and deceased abductees. This mirrors the language of the enemy, as the destruction of the sign serves as a declaration 'we are here'.”
Gotliv continued her critique, expressing frustration: “I'm tired of it. An official told me that fighting the enemy mercilessly and taking revenge on the enemy also 'violates the principles of IDF warfare.' Do you understand? This explains why Hamas feels victorious. Because the spirit of the enemy must be broken. And the removal of the tank commander only strengthens the feeling of victory for Hamas and maintains ridicule of Israel."
Upon being informed by readers in the comments section that the report of the tank commander's removal was false, Gotliv admitted to believing the "fake" report due to its apparent credibility.
"We've witnessed a grave misunderstanding of the enemy's psychology before, such as when soldiers were prohibited from reciting the Shema Yisrael prayer in a mosque that had been turned into a weapons depot by terrorists," Gotliv recalled.
"And when soldiers were instructed to erase graffiti proclaiming ‘The People of Israel Lives’ in front of cheering crowds, including enemies. Additionally, soldiers were compelled to clean houses where they had spent the night. This series of unfortunate decisions underscores that our command prioritizes respect for the enemy over respect for its own soldiers."
