A platoon commander and nine fighters were removed from their posts today (Sunday) and given a 28-day detention, after they carried out non-operational firing into the Gaza Strip - while shouting "Haman" during the reading of the Book of Esther.
The commander of the Southern Brigade and the commander of Battalion 7015 judged those involved in the shooting.
The company commander was given a command reprimand, the platoon commander was removed from his position, and nine soldiers involved in the incident were removed from combat duty.
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The IDF said: "This is a serious incident that is contrary to the values of the IDF and is not expected of combatants in an operational sector.".
In the footage distributed yesterday on social media, one of the battalion commanders was seen reading the Book of Esther in a position exposed to the Strip, and contrary to orders, he was wearing only a shirt and a clown's hat - instead of a helmet and a protective vest as required in the earthen embankments around the posts.
The reserve soldiers posted the video on social media with their faces visible, in a way that puts them at risk under international law and exposes them to criminal proceedings.
When the word "Haman" was heard, the reserve soldiers fired volleys towards the Gaza Strip, violating opening fire procedures and military discipline.
Following the serious incident, the IDF decided to immediately remove the platoon commander and the fighters involved from the Strip for disciplinary action.
