Two Weeks Later, IDF Chief Of Staff Apologizes For Chillul Shabbos

In an unusual move, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi apologized for the fact that a press conference he gave after the recent attack in Tel Aviv was filmed and broadcast on Shabbos.

“The chief of staff was having a conversation with the soldiers of the 636th Battalion in light of the security challenges, out of a desire to learn about the battalion’s operations and express its appreciation for its activities,” wrote Major Bnei Bachar, head of the Knesset’s administration and public department. “We were wrong that the conversation was filmed and broadcast after the beginning of Shabbat. The chief of staff expressed his apology to the battalion commanders and soldiers.”

Shortly after the press conference, the Torat Lehima organization wrote to the Chief of Staff’s office, stating: “We know that you are engaged in holy work, protecting Israel’s security day and night, Shabbat and throughout the week, and the Jewish People has the greatest of admiration for you. It is precisely for this reason that we were so horrified to learn that you had chosen to desecrate the Shabbat with clear instructions that also breached IDF rules, also forcing religious soldiers to desecrate the holy day themselves.”

Following the Chief of Staff’s apology, the organization said in a statement: “We hope that this blatant desecration of the Shabbat will not be repeated. The chief of staff showed greatness of heart in admitting what he did.”

{Matzav.com Israel}