'Israel' removes soldier from role after livestream with 'controversial influencer'

• The IOF removed soldier Shira Braun from its international communications unit after she appeared in a livestream with controversial US influencer Clavicular during his visit to 'Israel'.
• Braun received a suspended military jail sentence and was reassigned following a disciplinary review over the appearance.

'Israeli' has removed a soldier from its international communications unit and issued her a suspended jail sentence after she appeared in an online livestream with controversial US influencer Clavicular during his visit to 'Israel'.

Shira Braun, who served in the IOF Spokesperson’s Unit’s international communications branch, was involved in managing foreign-language social media accounts, including the military’s TikTok presence. The IOF said her conduct was reviewed by commanders, leading to disciplinary action.

"Following a command review held with the soldier regarding her conduct, it was decided to impose a suspended jail sentence, which will take effect if she commits another disciplinary offense," the IOF said in a statement.

The military added that Braun was removed from her professional role and would be transferred out of both her position and her unit.

Braun’s appearance with Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, sparked criticism due to the influencer’s history of controversial online content, including misogynistic material, extreme appearance advice and public associations with far-right figures.

Peters, 20, rose to prominence through TikTok and the livestreaming platform Kick as a major figure in the online "looksmaxxing" movement, which focuses on improving physical appearance. Critics have accused parts of the movement of promoting harmful practices and reducing social value to physical appearance.

Peters has also appeared alongside controversial internet personalities, including far-right activist Nick Fuentes, who has been criticized for racist, antisemitic and Holocaust-denying statements.

Peters’ visit to 'Israel' last week sparked mixed reactions. Supporters highlighted the favorable attention he gave the country and his large online audience, while critics argued that his associations with controversial figures made his platform problematic.

The controversy intensified because Braun was not only a private individual appearing in Peters’ livestream but a soldier serving in the IOF’s international communications division, a unit responsible for managing the military’s public image abroad.

The IOF said the disciplinary action concerned Braun’s conduct and appearance with Peters. It did not claim that she provided the influencer with access to military accounts or classified information.

The decision has triggered debate over whether Braun faced disproportionate consequences compared with civilian influencers and public figures who also appeared with Peters. Others argued that members of the IOF’s communications units have additional responsibilities because they represent an official military institution.

Braun’s suspended sentence means she will only serve military detention if she commits another disciplinary violation during the period set by her commanders. She will complete her service in another role outside the international communications unit.