IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot decided on Monday to remove the Jewish Consciousness department from the IDF Rabbinate, and move it to the personnel directorate under the responsibility of Maj. Gen. Hagi Topolanski.

While Eizenkot backed down from his original plan to move the important department to the Education Corps, by removing it from the military rabbinate he has succumbed to the demands of leftist organizations, in a blow to the rabbinate’s ability to strengthen the fighting spirit of the troops.

Arutz Sheva has learned that the head of the Jewish Consciousness field will be a senior commander from the IDF Rabbinate, apparently of the rank of lieutenant colonel, although Topolanski will hold the authority over the department.

In a recent Likud faction meeting, Immigrant Absorption Minister Ze’ev Elkin raised the topic and opposed transferring the department from the rabbinate, but Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon gave backing to Eizenkot’s decision.

Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel (Jewish Home) protested the decision on Twitter, writing, “the actions of the Jewish Consciousness department in the military rabbinate are a success story that instilled a fighting spirit in thousands of soldiers. It is saddening to see there are those who still don’t understand that.”

MK Bezalel Smotrich of Ariel’s party said earlier on Monday, “whoever wants to harm the IDF Rabbinate will not succeed in a coalition in which we are a part of.” It remains to be seen whether Jewish Home will actually take any steps now that the move has gone through.