Northern Israel: A video circulating widely on Arab social media platforms depicts a violent altercation between Israeli soldiers inside a mess hall at a military base in northern Israel. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over cleaning and guard duty assignments following a meal.
According to reports, the brawl involved dozens of soldiers from the Givati Brigade and the Combat Engineering Corps, specifically the 401st Armored Brigade. The Givati Brigade is considered an elite infantry unit within the Israeli military, known for its direct involvement in combat operations, including the recent conflict in Gaza. The 401st Armored Brigade, part of the 162nd Division, also participated heavily in the Gaza conflict; its commander was reportedly killed by Palestinian resistance fighters in October 2024.
The video shows some soldiers carrying their weapons and full gear during the fight, raising concerns about a potential escalation. While this incident is not isolated, reports from within Israel suggest that military bases have seen repeated clashes and skirmishes among soldiers over the years, resulting in numerous injuries.
The Israeli military has condemned the soldiers involved in the brawl and announced an in-depth investigation into the incident. A military spokesperson stated, “This is a serious incident that does not reflect the values of the IDF or what we expect from our soldiers.”
Israeli media outlets have attributed the cause of the fight to ongoing tensions between different units within the military, particularly between Bedouin units and other soldiers, citing cultural differences and misunderstandings of authority. The incident has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users expressing mockery and disbelief.
The video has become a focal point for online commentary, with some users cautioning against overstating the significance of the event. One social media user commented, “Have you reached the point of hoping for Israel’s demise because of a soldiers’ brawl?”
