JERUSALEM (VINnews) – IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Monday told senior commanders that unethical behavior and eroding discipline amid Israel’s multi-front war cannot be tolerated, stressing that such issues pose a danger comparable to operational threats.

“The unethical incidents we have seen are the product of a long and complex period, but that does not justify them,” Zamir said at a conference of the Israel Defense Forces’ senior command staff. “We must not compromise on our values. The erosion of norms could be no less dangerous than operational threats.”

Zamir specifically addressed reports of looting by Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, calling the phenomenon “disgraceful” if proven true.

“The phenomenon of looting, if it exists, is disgraceful and could stain the entire IDF,” he said, following a Haaretz report last week detailing widespread looting. “If such incidents occurred, we will investigate them.”

The chief of staff also drew a firm line on soldiers’ use of social media.

“Soldiers, both in the standing army and reserves, must not use social media as a tool to spread controversial messages or for self-promotion,” Zamir said. “This is a red line that must not be crossed, and those who do so will be dealt with disciplinarily.”

He acknowledged that troops are rarely punished for online posts.

On the role of women in the military, Zamir affirmed their importance.

“Women are an inseparable part of the IDF and its operational strength,” he said. “There will be no exclusion of women in the IDF.”

Regarding efforts to integrate ultra-Orthodox troops while addressing diverse populations, Zamir said the IDF would continue to expand service opportunities “without harming others or at their expense” and while “preserving the identity and values of the IDF.”

Zamir’s remarks come as the IDF continues operations on multiple fronts, including against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, with concerns mounting over discipline and ethical standards during prolonged conflict.