Israeli soldier to face military hearing for refusing to help Gaza disengagement News
Israeli soldier to face military hearing for refusing to help Gaza disengagement

[JURIST] An American-born Israeli soldier who refused to participate in the evacuation of settlers from Gaza [JURIST news archive] will face a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, pending a possible continuance by his lawyer. Cpl. Avi Bieber was pulled away by fellow soldiers on Sunday [AP report] after telling his commander he wouldn't participate in the evacuation and shouting support to settlers, the first Israeli soldier to refuse orders related to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's controversial disengagement plan. Bieber now faces charges [Jerusalem Post report] of refusing to obey an order and conduct unbecoming a soldier. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz Tuesday cautioned soldiers that the government would not tolerate or overlook refusing orders [Haaretz report], and warned settlers not to interfere with the evacuation process. The IDF also denied reports [Haaretz report] that other soldiers from Bieber's unit planned on joining him in the future.