He also called on officers to screen soldiers politically and exempt those opposed to the government plan to uproot Jewish communities.
The unidentified officer's suggestion has thrown the army into turmoil, according to the Hebrew daily newspaper Maariv. Armies generally are wary of the possible ramifications of top brass probing soldier's political viewpoints.
Concerning soldiers from Yesha, the officer said, "We cannot put our troops in a position where they are forced to confront their families and entire communities." Many soldiers and ranking officers from Yesha either live in or have close relatives and friends in many of the 25 communities the government wants to uproot.
The officer also said soldiers should be asked questions about their political position on the government's so-called disengagement plan. It is better to excuse soldiersAC opposing the transfer of Jews and property rather than risking an unpleasant rift in the midst of military maneuvers, the officer argued. "Hopefully, once commanders have had open and frank conversations with their men, the majority will agree to carry out their legal duties," he was quoted in Maariv.
However, he added that those opposing the plan would be exempted from duty rather than being "forced to choose between their orders and their consciences."
The unidentified officer's suggestion has thrown the army into turmoil, according to the Hebrew daily newspaper Maariv. Armies generally are wary of the possible ramifications of top brass probing soldier's political viewpoints.
Concerning soldiers from Yesha, the officer said, "We cannot put our troops in a position where they are forced to confront their families and entire communities." Many soldiers and ranking officers from Yesha either live in or have close relatives and friends in many of the 25 communities the government wants to uproot.
The officer also said soldiers should be asked questions about their political position on the government's so-called disengagement plan. It is better to excuse soldiersAC opposing the transfer of Jews and property rather than risking an unpleasant rift in the midst of military maneuvers, the officer argued. "Hopefully, once commanders have had open and frank conversations with their men, the majority will agree to carry out their legal duties," he was quoted in Maariv.
However, he added that those opposing the plan would be exempted from duty rather than being "forced to choose between their orders and their consciences."