Avraham Zarbiv, a rabbi and military reservist known for demolishing civilian homes in Gaza, has been selected to light a torch at Israel’s independence day celebration this Tuesday. Zarbiv is one of 14 individuals chosen for their “extraordinary contribution to society and the state,” a group that includes a leading doctor, a scientist, and a Michelin-starred chef.
Controversy Over Military Actions
Zarbiv, 54, serves as a D9 armoured bulldozer operator and has been deployed on missions of destruction in Gaza and southern Lebanon. He rose to prominence through social media videos where he documented his activities using inflammatory rhetoric.
In one voiceover, Zarbiv is heard telling targets, “You will have nothing left,” and “We will flatten you and destroy you.” In January 2025, he boasted about demolishing 50 homes a week, noting that tens of thousands of families in Rafah and Jabalya would have nothing to return to.
Official Endorsements and Military Distancing
Cabinet minister Miriam Regev stated that Zarbiv was chosen for his “inspirational” dual leadership as both a soldier and a rabbi, describing it as a balance “between the book and the sword.”
Still, the IDF has sought to distance itself from the appointment. Brig Gen Effie Defrin clarified during a news conference that Zarbiv was not selected in coordination with the IDF and is not attending the ceremony as an IDF representative.
Legal and Ethical Implications
In his civilian life, Zarbiv is a rabbinical judge. He was recently censured by Israel’s judicial watchdog after Commissioner Asher Kula ruled that Zarbiv had violated the code of ethics for judges due to extremist statements.
the monitoring group Kerem Navot reports that Zarbiv’s own home, located in an illegal settlement on private Palestinian land, has been under a demolition order for illegal construction since 2000. This order has not been enforced.
Broader Context of Destruction
The selection comes amid reports from the UN that nine in 10 homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. Other targeted civilian infrastructure includes hospitals, schools, shops, cemeteries, and mosques.
The scale of the devastation has led some experts to suggest that the destruction should be classified as a novel war crime termed “domicide.” Zarbiv has described his unit’s operational method as a cycle of “destroy and advance” through neighborhood after neighborhood.
Potential Future Consequences
The decision to honor Zarbiv may lead to increased challenges in international courts. Haaretz newspaper suggested that this official endorsement could undermine Israel’s defense against charges of genocide and incitement to genocide.
Human rights group B’tselem argued that the selection sends a message that war crimes and ethnic cleansing are now the “spirit of the nation.” this may prompt further international scrutiny of the state’s adherence to international law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Avraham Zarbiv?
Avraham Zarbiv is a 54-year-old rabbi, rabbinical judge, and military reservist who operates a D9 armoured bulldozer. He is known for his campaign of destroying civilian homes in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
Why was Avraham Zarbiv chosen to light the independence day torch?
Cabinet minister Miriam Regev chose him because of what she described as his “inspirational” dual leadership as both a rabbi and a soldier.
Has the IDF supported Zarbiv’s selection?
No. The IDF has distanced itself from the decision, with Brig Gen Effie Defrin stating that Zarbiv was not selected in coordination with the IDF and is not representing the military at the ceremony.
How should a state balance the recognition of military service with the ethical codes required of its judicial officers?
