An officer of the middle management rank of major was court-martialed for protesting in favor of the government’s judicial reforms while in uniform, the IDF announced on Sunday.
Until now, officers from the rank of lieutenant-colonel and above, considered senior management, have been prohibited from protesting, whereas majors and below have been allowed.
However, those allowed to protest have been required to do so in civilian clothing, so as not to inject an image of the IDF directly into political debates.
At the large pro-government rally in Jerusalem this past Thursday, the court-martialed major was in uniform and was also carrying his weapon, an aggravating circumstance.
Removed from his role and suspended for 3 weeks
The officer was removed from his command role to a desk job with reduced responsibilities, though he was able to keep his rank.
He was also given a 25-day suspended sentence of partial military detention, which would be activated if he commits a similar disciplinary crime.
To date, only dozens of left-wing officers have actually refused reserve duty and the IDF has started to expel such officers from the reserves. Most reservists have continued to serve despite threats to quit, or called in sick on a temporary basis.