IDF Spokesperson's Unit pushes back after former soldier joins Breaking the Silence

Ayelet Kroizer, a former soldier in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, is set to become the new spokesperson for Breaking the Silence, an organization active in promoting “war crimes” charges against Israel internationally.

Kroizer announced her upcoming role in an X/Twitter post on Monday, where she accused her former unit of manipulating information presented to the public and prioritizing the army's public image over transparency.

She claimed that, during her military service, she had been exposed to "how vast the control of the IDF Spokesperson has in shaping our perception of reality, and the problematic game it plays with the truth."

"The goal of the work with the international audience was defined as strengthening and expanding legitimacy for military actions," Kroizer claimed. "Here, too, the price was the truth."

She noted her history as a member of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, having forgone her service exemption to enlist in the IDF during wartime.

IDF Spokesperson: Kroizer's remarks 'do not reflect' those who serve in unit

IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin responded to Kroizer's announcement with an urgent letter sent to unit commanders, which it asked to be disseminated to all their soldiers.

"I want to be clear," wrote Defrin. "These remarks do not reflect the people who serve in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the values ​​of the unit, or our professional and ethical worldview."

He emphasized that the unit comprises "individuals from all walks of Israeli society," with the soldiers sharing a "common ethical and professional compass."

"This diversity is a source of our strength," he wrote. "Do not let these remarks shake you or diminish your sense of purpose."