Ariel, Shalom!
The reconnaissance unit attached to the Division has finished its
reserve duty just recently in the area of Judea and Samaria. During
this period, I was witness to a number of incidents wherein the IDF
and its commanders, acted in a fashion which runs against my
conscience as well as my ability in the future to accept commands
from these persons. Fundamental values such as not leaving the
injured behind in the field, determination, courage and willingness
to follow-through do not appear to be part of their system. I cannot
look my soldiers straight in the eye and tell them with all
confidence that on the day of battle that they will be backed up by
the commanding echelon.
It seems that these values, too, are dependent upon political or
diplomatic considerations. You know well how much work was invested
these last few years in order to build up this elite unit and
therefore, my leaving the company is most difficult for me. But, with
all this, I cannot stand by on the sidelines and remain quiet.
I request that you free me from my command and I return the command
bars that I respected and loved so much.
This letter is addressed to you, my direct commander, despite that
you do not have any connection to that which my eyes saw during our
reserve duty. My prayer is that this act will awaken the hierarchy to
change, and to the return to values upon which IDF commanders were
formerly educated. I ask your forgiveness, and that of the soldiers
of the reconnaissance unit.
With thanks,
Major Chagai Eldar,
CC Reconnaissance Unit