IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi HaleviIDF Spokesperson's Unit

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reiterated his support for the IDF's commanders and their responses to recent terrorist attacks and anti-Arab rioting in Judea and Samaria during an award ceremony Monday evening.

“I am proud of the IDF’s brigade commanders in all arenas, and particularly of those responsible for the Judea and Samaria region during these times. The IDF’s Commanding officers stand first in line alongside their soldiers, operate against terrorist activity and maintain the security of Israel’s civilians while risking their own lives. They are also first in line when it is required to prevent harm to Palestinian civilians - that is unfortunately inflicted by Israeli civilians," Halevi said.

"These two missions serve the goal of maintaining the security of the State of Israel and its civilians. The brigade commanders’ important activity deserves the utmost appreciation, and I fully and uncompromisingly support them.”

Yesterday, Halevi defended the commander of the Binyamin Brigade, General Eliav Elbaz, after Binyamin residents accused Elbaz of being the one who led the security forces that closed off Ateret on Saturday night following the riots on Saturday in the PA city of Umm Safa between Ateret and Neve Tzuf.

"This is an improper and unwelcome discourse that harms a public servant who acts professionally, by virtue of the law, and in a moral and stately manner. Eliav is a combat officer, moral and ethical, who acted and continues to act while risking his life for the security of the residents of Judea and Samaria in particular, and the citizens of the State of Israel in general. Any impeachment in this or any attempt to claim otherwise, they are devoid of any foundation," Halevi insisted.