About 100 soldiers from the Tzabar Battalion of Israel's Givati Brigade reportedly rebelled against their commanders and left the Sde Teiman base in the Negev desert. The incident was reported on July 30, 2026, with Ynet describing it as a protest driven by anger at commanders. The soldiers reportedly left their weapons behind when departing the base.

An Israeli army spokesperson said the dispute began after the battalion commander ordered the removal of certain unusual signs or symbols associated with the traditions of older and newer soldiers. According to Ynet, the soldiers said the removed symbols had accompanied them during fighting in Gaza and Lebanon and had been passed down to successive groups of recruits. They viewed the mementos as symbols of a deep spiritual connection to the battalion and its traditions.

Maariv, citing an unnamed military source, reported that the battalion had become unfit to take part in a planned combat operation in Gaza because of the incident. Israel Hayom reported that the soldiers and commanders left military equipment and weapons at the base, taking only their personal bags as they headed home.