Israel’s top general reportedly is boycotting a locally made war film because some of its cast did not serve in the military.
“Beaufort,” a critically acclaimed drama about the evacuation of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon in 2000, has been a box-office success, but Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi is not among its fans, Yediot Achronot reported Monday.
According to the newspaper, the chief of staff has refused to see the film in protest that several of its soldier characters are played by Israeli actors who evaded mandatory military service. Ashkenazi is a career infantryman who spent several long stints fighting in Lebanon.
Military officials had no comment on the report, which comes amid increased public scrutiny following the Lebanon war at who serves and does not serve in uniform.
