Faith

Did the Israeli Army Manufacture This Image of ‘Gay Soldiers’ Holding Hands?

There’s a controversy unfolding in Israel after a picture of two men holding hands was posted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Middle Eastern nation’s military. In an effort to tout its inclusiveness and respect for gays and lesbians, the IDF posted the following image on its international Facebook page — a picture that is sparking intense scrutiny and accusations of misleading the public.

Israeli Defense Forces Post Picture of Gay Soldiers Holding Hands

What’s the problem, you ask? Well, aside from the fact that the image, itself, draws the ire of those opposed to homosexuality, it seems some are questioning whether the picture was manufactured. While it’s supposed to depict a real-life military couple, allegations are flying that one or both of the men depicted may, indeed, be straight and essentially “acting.”

(Related: Drag Queens & Dancers Party Through Tel Aviv for Annual Gay Pride Parade)

“It’s Pride Month. Did you know that the IDF treats all of its soldiers equally? Let’s see how many shares you can get for this photo,” the text under the image reads.

The image has since been liked and shared thousands of times and the IDF has used it to drive home its commitment to gays and lesbians. In fact, a spokesperson has used it as an example of the military’s overwhelming inclusiveness.

“No other military in the world has taken such an initiative,” an IDF spokesperson said of the image and the army’s efforts to showcase its kindness and inclusiveness.

When questions about the photo’s authenticity began to arise, a spokesperson told the Times of Israel that it wouldn’t release the names of the soldiers represented in the picture.

“The IDF respects the privacy of the soldiers featured in the photograph, and will not comment on their identities,” the Israeli military said.

The Times of Israel continues, sharing more purported details and calling the “gay soldiers” photo “misleading”:

The newly hip, multimedia-savvy IDF Spokesperson’s Office posted Monday on its Facebook page a photo of two ostensibly gay soldiers, one seeming to belong to the Givati Brigade and the other to the Artillery Corps, holding hands and walking on a city street.

In fact, the two soldiers in the photo are not a couple, only one of the two is gay, and both the soldiers serve in the IDF Spokesperson’s Office.

The picture appears to have been taken on Itamar Ben Avi street in Tel Aviv, around the corner from the Spokesperson’s Office headquarters.

Gay pride is nothing new in Israel, of course. Last week, we told you about Tel Aviv’s annual — and colorful — gay pride parade. While the military is perfectly able to promote whatever it so chooses, why it would purportedly manufacture an image using “models” is somewhat confusing.

(H/T: Gawker)

Comments (69)

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  • lketchum
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 12:59am

    If you find love in the hairy backside of another man – seek help.

    It’s a one-way street.

    Besides, say there is no God at all, and only nature… well…. know that nature would select any species exhibiting homosexual behavior for extinction.

    Nature would not reward any such species.

    God, on the other hand, prmised as he has from day one, that man would have Free Will – even the freedom to make terrible decisions and choices.

    There is only one way homosexuality might exist – it is if God created man and gave him the gift of free will.

    While it is our job to support such decisions, it is not our job to destroy ourselves or our institutions to do so.

    GLBT behaviors are a choice. It can be no other way. Pray. Seek the face of God. Find him in all things, and we will protect you and shield you throughout. Shive you choice in our faces and we will turn away from you.

    Report Post » lketchum  
    • PIL
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 5:46am

      Sexuality is a matter of taste, I like skinny chicks, you like fat chicks, which one of us is wrong? I’m not going to blame my neighbor for not liking the same things I like. Besides, I believe in Render to Caesar what is of Caesar. The Roman empire had slavery, prostitution (male and female), gladiator fights, animal sacrifices to pagan Gods, orgies, etc. I don’t remember Jesus telling people we must pass laws to outlaw that, or we must kicked out the Romans from Judea.

      Report Post » PIL  
    • ZengaPA65
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 7:38am

      Who cares what Jesus said or didn’t say.

      Report Post » ZengaPA65  
    • Locked
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 8:26am

      “Who cares what Jesus said or didn’t say.”

      Christians. That means, what, 3/4 of the USA?

      Report Post »  
    • Amarath01
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 12:45pm

      “Besides, say there is no God at all, and only nature… well…. know that nature would select any species exhibiting homosexual behavior for extinction.

      Nature would not reward any such species.”

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonobo
      Other than those, right … owned. hey lets compare them to normal chimps, you mean they are much more social, freindly, etc. wow no way.
      So now that your wrong… well lets put it this way if a river didn‘t exists those primeapes wouldn’t why? Cuz common chimps are MEAN war like violent and murderous to male (to a lesser degree female) chimps not in their pack.
      So yeah, they might have been killed, and their open and active sexual nature that may help to reduce their hostility (very much used to calm down aggressive situations) might keep them form reacting to their violent bothers… But then their issue was too much love … not to much hate or lack of coitus. Then again it is bi-sexual behavior (the horror).

      This entire argument is silly as we are not chimps, or ants, fungi, a carrot, geese, protozoan, or w/e. We are human, and we are largely what we say we are.

      Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 12:10am

    talk about a brilliant military strategy tho,. muslims HATE gay ‘in your face’ sexuality more than anyone else on earth.. muslims KILL gays. if the IDF can get the muslims to freak out over it, they can draw them out better.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • lassiegirldawn
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:53pm

    And many said, Lord, Lord, I prophesied in your name, and Jesus said, I don’t know you. You really think that man can get into heaven going against Gods word because we spin it to what we want it to be. God is very specific in Old and New Testament about his Commandments.

    Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 4:41pm

      It‘s funny how this will make a christian’s head boil. How about you strap on an M15 and go fight for freedom before you open your mouth…

      Report Post »  
  • BeingThere
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:51pm

    Baracksuckers!!!! Whimper Fi !!!

    Report Post » BeingThere  
  • eisenman0311
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:55pm

    HOLD IT!!! There are many patriotic Muslims serving in the Israeli army. As anyone knows, Muslims hold hands which is not gay. Does not anyone remember George W. Bush (uncomfortably) holding hands with the King of Saudi Arabia?

    This misleading media portrayal is another great example of cultural ignorance and emotional reaction to liberal biased media.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:14pm

      The Seal of the Knights Templar… was/is Two Men on a Horse!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:27pm

      That is correct. When I visited Turkey years ago I saw Turkish soldiers, who I assumed to be straight, walking hand in hand.

      Report Post »  
    • truth___seeker
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:49pm

      amen! many of the easterners hold hands or walk arm in arm. single men will hold the hand of another while walking along side of single women who are doing the same. the men and women may be on a double-date; but, unmarried people of the opposite sex do not touch in public. that would be improper. a thing i learned while serving in korea. be well…do well.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:57pm

      And… in Ancient Greece… Spartans were paired as Brotherly Soldiers, being a Combat Team… and this example was followed in other areas. So, as Alexander the Great moved accross the Persian Empire… Greek Culture was Expanded… as in Turkey, where Saint Paul taught, in Greek!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • mzk1
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 7:28am

      Jews also; in Israel, people don’t have the NTAWWT hang-up. Just as women will (so far) show affection for each other in the US without being suspected, so too men here, to a lesser extent. It’s not because of acceptance of homosexuality; probably the opposite. Especially in the religious community; it is not unusual for guys (NOT gals) to kiss the groom on the mouth (even in the US to some extent). Needless to say, the groom does NOT kiss the bride in a religious wedding.

      Now that homosexuality is getting more accepted, this may change. I wonder if women in the US now think twice. It’s a sick world coming.

      Report Post »  
  • USA-Ron
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:39pm

    God’s Chosen – the Jews – do NOT allow gays

    Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:24pm

      @RON…You may indeed be right..and you may already know that a person with a Hebrew name may or may not be Jewish..Judaism is a religion..not a race..I understand that the gorvernment in the land of Israel is not anti gay at all..but they are Zionists..and that does not make them Jews nor does that make them Israel..It is God’s covenant people..the Torah obedient people..the Jews..who are the true Israel..some so called Jews align themselves with the Zionists out of either greed or fear..but the Zionists are either secular or atheists/Communists..and the goal of Communism is subversion so as to keep the people shackled..same goes in America.. I am quite sure that the Torah Obedient Jews would find this behavior unacceptable.. Many Jews in Israel feel oppressed..Israel has presented a bill to make it a crime to make comparisons to Nazism. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/israeli-bill-would-outlaw-comparisons-to-nazis/
      And this is how the Jews feel about Zionists
      http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article1506.htm

      Report Post »  
    • saveamericafromthestupids
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Uhhhh, their armed forces do! …..and have been since 1993.

      Report Post » saveamericafromthestupids  
  • DetritusScreener
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:36pm

    Really? Are they really proud of that?!? Thats a good way to get your military’s ass kicked.

    Report Post » DetritusScreener  
  • metalurgy
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:32pm

    I haven’t read the article but my gaydar tells me the guy on the left is the fairy by his posture.

    Okay, time to read the article and see if i’m right.

    Report Post » metalurgy  
  • FlamingFartSyndrome
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:28pm

    People who believe government should dictate behavior are just as bad as people who believe government should dictate how our money is spent.

    Report Post » FlamingFartSyndrome  
    • Melvin Spittle
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:45pm

      Wrong for obvious reasons. Please think before posting to avoid folks questioning your easily refuted statement.

      It is critical that certain behavior be controlled. You think about it. I will not state the obvious.

      Report Post » Melvin Spittle  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:24pm

      FlamingFartSyndrome

      Homosexuality is a choice. There was an article in MarginalRevolutions that laid out the proof that it is a choice for a significant portion of gays.

      Gay culture is a dangerous meme that leads to pandemics. The gay response is that AZT is here.
      If not for that the gay population would be decimated.

      Report Post »  
  • krazysworld
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:23pm

    After spending a significant amount of time in the Middle East I can tell you that many nations, probably Israel as well, think it is perfectly acceptable and completely NON-SEXUAL for two men to hold hands as they walk down the street or sit at a table. It is a strange custom to us westerners, but simply different, not sexual. If the media, left or right, wants to sensationalize something…they obviously will.

    Report Post »  
  • Joe Bonham
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:15pm

    The Religious Right’s fetish for Israel and the IDF has always been a bit of a mystery for me (especially considering their simultaneous hatred for American Jews). Why do they love a fairly leftist country with a much more intrusive government, full of Jewish people?

    My only guess is because Israel is a useful tool for killing Muslims. If all of the Muslims in the Middle East suddenly converted to Christianity, America’s Far Right wing would do a complete 180 and HATE Israel.

    Report Post »  
    • JohnLarson
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:22pm

      It’s because for the Rapture to happen, they need the Jews in Israel.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:52pm

      If we know neither the time nor the place, then I just go on living. There is no need to plot. Only to live the 10.

      Report Post »  
  • PROSECUTE_PUBLIC_SERVANTS__FOR_CONSTITUTIONAL_TREASON
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:09pm

    SICK. SICK. VILE SIN. Israel should fall on it‘s face and seek God’s forgiveness.

    Report Post »  
  • PROSECUTE_PUBLIC_SERVANTS__FOR_CONSTITUTIONAL_TREASON
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:03pm

    If God states homosexually is acceptable, I have no issue. If God states homosexuallity is a vile abomination, I agree. God says homosexuality is a vile abomination. It is as God says. God is all knowing and morally perfect. You are not.

    Report Post »  
    • FlamingFartSyndrome
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:34pm

      “If a man lies with a male as with a women, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed; they have forfeited their lives.” (Leviticus 20:13 NAB)

      Whoever strikes his father or mother shall be put to death. (Exodus 21:15 NAB)

      All who curse their father or mother must be put to death. They are guilty of a capital offense. (Leviticus 20:9 NLT)

      If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife, both the man and the woman must be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 NLT)

      A priest’s daughter who loses her honor by committing fornication and thereby dishonors her father also, shall be burned to death. (Leviticus 21:9 NAB

      They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul; and everyone who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (2 Chronicles 15:12-13 NAB)

      But if this charge is true (that she wasn’t a virgin on her wedding night), and evidence of the girls virginity is not found, they shall bring the girl to the entrance of her fathers house and there her townsman shall stone her to death, because she committed a crime against Israel by her unchasteness in her father’s house. Thus shall you purge the evil from your midst. (Deuteronomy 22:20-21 NAB)

      Report Post » FlamingFartSyndrome  
    • FlamingFartSyndrome
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:40pm

      The LORD then gave these further instructions to Moses: ‘Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. Yes, keep the Sabbath day, for it is holy. Anyone who desecrates it must die; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. Work six days only, but the seventh day must be a day of total rest. I repeat: Because the LORD considers it a holy day, anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.’ (Exodus 31:12-15 NLT)

      Meanwhile, the LORD instructed one of the group of prophets to say to another man, “Strike me!” But the man refused to strike the prophet. Then the prophet told him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me.” And sure enough, when he had gone, a lion attacked and killed him. (1 Kings 20:35-36 NLT)

      Make ready to slaughter his sons for the guilt of their fathers; Lest they rise and posses the earth, and fill the breadth of the world with tyrants. (Isaiah 14:21 NAB)

      So basically anything God says we should do in the Bible is what we should have government enforce in our society, correct?…

      If thats how you feel, then you believe our government should not only ban gay marriage, but put gays to death, as well as kill people who don’t listen to their parents, adulterers, followers of other religions, nonbelievers, false

      Report Post » FlamingFartSyndrome  
    • FlamingFartSyndrome
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:48pm

      …..women who aren’t virgins on their wedding night, people working on the sabbath, brats, and children of sinners.

      And I’m sure your against Shariah Law, but whats the difference. There is no difference, but there is a difference between people who think we should dictate everyone’s behavior to how we feel behavior should be and those who believe we should live as Jesus Christ did.

      Then, people like you will say, well all those verses you quoted were from the Old Testament flamingfartsyndrome, and i follow the New Testament just like you!

      If this is the case and you only believe in following the words of the New Testament or live as Jesus did, then why do you use religion as the prime reason to why government should discriminate against gays? Because in the New Testament, there is NOTHING said about homosexuality.

      Report Post » FlamingFartSyndrome  
    • Melvin Spittle
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:58pm

      Flaming, I again point out your patently false statements. Please look up: I Corinthians 6:9; 10. As I said before to you: Think before making such outrageous statements. It is one thing to be ignorant of a subject, but making an authoritative statement of false fact confirms your lack of understanding.

      Report Post » Melvin Spittle  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 9:39pm

      @FLAMING Actually the new testament is not silent on the subject of homosexuality. 1 Cor 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals
      nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
      So you see..although it does not say to put them to death..they will not be permitted to enter the kingdom of heaven and will await judgement after the millenial kingdom..All a person has to do is to believe that Jesus/Yeshua is the Son of God..was born of a virgin..died for our sins and rose the 3rd day..repent..turn away from sin..and live a life unto Christ..and one can live with Him in eternal glory or reject Him and live dying eternally.. We do have freedom of choice..It is all about how willing you are to believe..because if you do believe..you will.. make the right choice..

      Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:53pm

    Wow..!
    This is the fifth story today on the blaze.. that is gay related.
    That’s got to be some kind of record.

    Report Post » sawbuck  
    • JohnLarson
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:02pm

      The editor of the Blaze is a self-hating black gay man apparently.

      Every other story is anti-black or anti-gay.

      Report Post »  
    • FlamingFartSyndrome
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:51pm

      But hey, whats new in the world of the anti-immigrant, anti-muslim, anti-homosexual, anti-women party! Hoooooray!

      Report Post » FlamingFartSyndrome  
    • jc78
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 10:29pm

      The thing that I don’t really understand is why this article is classified in the “faith” section. What does this have to do with faith? Clearly the bible thumpers are upset over this picture and are looking for anything they can find to discredit it, even if it means spreading rumors with no real proof. At no point do they provide any evidence for the claim that the photo was staged. The IDF isn‘t commenting on the identity of the soldiers and the paper doesn’t provide any information that they were able to identify either of the soldiers. Isn’t that bearing false witness? I guess my CCD teachers forgot to mention the 11th Commandment that exempted people from following the first 10 Commandments if they do so in the name of attacking gay people. I know of no person who was ever harmed by a gay couple holding hands or kissing or sharing their lives together. I know I wasn’t.

      On another note, I really wish Billy Hallowell and the Blaze staff would find a way to cover LGBT issues in a non-biased way. Isn’t the truth supposed to live here? I guess not on these issues.

      Report Post »  
  • phrogdriver
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:47pm

    Do they just figure the Musims can’t hate them any more than they all ready do? Why do this?

    I worked with Isrealis back in the early 90s and my assessment of them has never changed: contrary to popular belief, they are a 2nd rate army who got an undeserved reputation fighting 3rd and 4th rate armies.

    There were some things I liked about them: a lot of small unit automonomy and innovation, an excellent air force. But this kind of stuff doesn’t help me take them seriouslly.

    Report Post » phrogdriver  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:53pm

      They have one weapon that is quite effective – Angels !

      Report Post »  
    • phrogdriver
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:18pm

      Don’t get me wrong – I love Isreal. I love the Isreali people. But their army is comprised of conscripts. You get a quality military with a robust volunteer force – not with universal service. And, frankly, I think the fact that they let homosexuals serve is a reflection of the fact that EVERYONE serves in Isreal. I’m a little surprised the IDF is trying to embrace homosexuals, though.

      Report Post » phrogdriver  
    • metalurgy
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:39pm

      Maybe they thought Islam needed another recruiting poster.

      Nice work and good planning there.

      Report Post » metalurgy  
  • JohnLarson
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:46pm

    The Israeli army was one of the first to allow open gays to serve.

    They are also arguably the best trained military in the world. If they had the same numbers as the US or China, they’d easily be the dominant military.

    Report Post »  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:59pm

      seriously?? They are maybe 6 or 7 but they fall far behind even the South Koreans…

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • JohnLarson
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 7:12pm

      The Mossad is the best special operations unit in the world and their army has so many tech patents that they actually provide aid to our military.

      Report Post »  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:44pm

    I like their pastel berets, that’s a nice touch…. but shouldn’t they be raspberry?

    Report Post » Constructionist  
  • Daveed
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:42pm

    Why the trickery?

    Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:42pm

    Well, I guess you’ll have to play the African version on Youtube.

    Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:41pm

    Stoopid.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • NCTRUTH
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:33pm

    sorry but the hands dont line up good. PHOTOSHOP

    Report Post »  
    • Bad Kitty
      Posted on June 12, 2012 at 8:52pm

      You are correct, the holding hand from the blue guy is wierdly square and choppy-like.

      Report Post » Bad Kitty  
  • 1TrueOne55
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:26pm

    I’m surprised that Hasidic followers of Judaism have not come out against this but God will be the judge.

    Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • PIL
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 5:35am

      Hassidic Jews don’t serve in the Israeli Military, in fact, many of them obtain a religious exemption so they can waste their time learning Torah while getting welfare while having the wife begging for coin. Yup, I’ve been to Israel, spoken to Israelis, this is true. Furthermore, the ban of gays in the military in Israel was lifted in 1981, most stay closeted since the Israeli military is a very macho culture, but at least they now don’t have fears of being kicked out. Oh, and to the guy who worries about what Muslims feel. 1. SCREW THE MUSLIMS. #2. In the Arab world it‘s common for two men to hold hands and there’s nothing gay about it.

      Report Post » PIL  
  • possom
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:26pm

    Real new’s please.

    Report Post » possom  
  • Steelhead
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:23pm

    yes Billy men do hold hands

    Report Post » Steelhead  
  • Unfreakingbelievable
    Posted on June 12, 2012 at 6:23pm

    Sweet, first post. Wish it could be something better than… DONT CARE!

    Report Post »  
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