Three Givati fighters were sentenced to 21 days in custody after they were late for the brigade's memorial service - due to roadblocks.
The fighters claimed that they were delayed due to "the Jerusalem faction's protests.".
The mother of one of the fighters wrote: "They were supposed to be at the cemetery at 5:00 PM - and arrived at 5:20 PM, even before some of the family members. There was chaos on the roads that day... This is an illogical punishment, and perhaps we will succeed in changing the evil of the decree that should not have been issued in the first place.".
An IDF spokesman said in response: "The IDF attaches great importance to honoring the memory of the fallen and to soldiers participating in memorials in a proper and respectful manner, even when it comes to past fallen soldiers they did not know personally.".
""In the case in question, the soldiers received permission to go to the memorial, in addition to clear instructions to ensure arrival on time. In practice, the soldiers chose to leave at a time that did not comply with the instructions and did not meet the deadlines. It should be emphasized that other soldiers sent to the same memorial arrived on time.
""After examining the incident, disciplinary measures were taken in accordance with orders. The IDF will not accept conduct that does not meet the expected standard, especially when it comes to honoring the memory of the fallen and their families.".
