The President of the Ethics Office of the Israel Medical Association sent an official letter to the Ministry of Health, requesting the suspension of the medical license of a doctor who celebrated the death of IDF commander Colonel Ehsan Daxa on social media , Walla reported Wednesday.
Dr. Batla Falah’s post featured an image of Col. Daxa with the caption, “May this be the fate of every criminal – the resistance is avenged.”
The statement subsequently sparked widespread outrage among medical professionals in Israel.
In his letter, Dr. Yossef Walfisch, President of the Ethics Office of the Israel Medical Association, recalled that in 2014 clear guidelines were established instructing doctors to exercise restraint and responsibility when expressing their opinions in the media and on social media, especially during politically and socially sensitive periods.
‘Freedom of expression is a right for all citizens’
“Freedom of expression is a right for all citizens, including doctors,” Dr. Walfisch wrote. “However, doctors must speak with respect, tolerance and responsibility, especially in professional contexts.”
Commander of the 401 Brigade Ehsan Daxa (credit: IDF spokesperson’s Unit/Via Walla)
He advised doctors to carefully consider their words before making public statements to avoid damaging the reputation of the profession.
Prior to this letter, Health Minister Uriel Busso also contacted the Director General of the Ministry of Health and the Israel Medical Association, requesting an investigation into Dr. Batla Falah, who has an Israeli license but is currently working abroad.
The Ministry of Health is considering suspending Dr. Falah’s medical license, while many within the health system are calling for stricter regulations regarding public statements by medical professionals.
Medical professionals in Israel hope that this incident serves as a reminder for doctors to maintain professional conduct even outside their work environment and avoid statements that could undermine public confidence in the healthcare system.
