Giora Neumann, the 19-year-old youth who was sentenced to an eight-month prison term last July for refusing induction and swearing allegiance to Israel’s defense forces, gave up his battle Thursday and was inducted into the medical corps for the duration of his required service. He swore the required oath of allegiance.
He was released from prison after completing two-thirds of his term. The sentence was reduced for good behavior. Prior to sentencing by an army tribunal in July, Neumann was in and out of military detention for months while army officer tried to change his mind about serving in what he called an “army of occupation.” He had regularly rejected promises from army officers he would be permitted to serve in units where he would not be involved in battle situations and in units within Israel proper.
After basic training, officials said, Neumann will be assigned to a hospital job “commensurate with his abilities,” He signed a statement at his induction that he was “not prepared” to take part in any actions of “a war of conquest.” Army officials made it clear they did not consider the document binding.
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