Female soldiers with the IDF Home Front Command scrambled to the scene of the Lag B'Omer stampede at Mount Meron to help with rescue efforts were subjected to verbal and physical attacks by some Haredi men, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in a statement Saturday.
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"At the beginning of the IDF Home Front Command assistance in the grave area at Mount Meron, a number of civilians conducted themselves in a violent manner, physically and verbally, against IDF female soldiers who were evacuating injured civilians. The troops persisted and completed their mission regardless of the offensive behavior," the military said in a statement.
"The subject was brought up by the troops on Friday during an initial inquiry into the event, prior to the troops' return to their base. The IDF condemns any form of physical or verbal violence towards its female and male soldiers, and views such incidents with great severity."
"The IDF condemns any form of physical or verbal violence towards its female and male soldiers, and views such incidents with great severity," the statement said.
"The IDF and the Home Front Command will continue to rescue, help and assist any citizen or resident in need."
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said: "Saving lives is a supreme value and I'm proud of all IDF soldiers treating the wounded in the disaster at Meron and firmly condemn whoever attacked the soldiers there. Many citizens owe their lives to those who were called to the event."
i24NEWS contributed to this report
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