Israeli Soldier Dance Yanked From YouTube

A quickly-viral video showing Israeli soldiers on patrol breaking into dance was yanked from YouTube, and disciplinary action threatened against the high-spirited hoofers. Six soldiers brandishing machine guns can be seen on the video creeping down a Hebron street as a Muslim call to prayer is heard. Suddenly, the crew breaks into a rehearsed dance routine to Kesha's Tik Tok. "Don't stop, make it pop, blow my speakers up. Tonight, I'mma fight 'til we see the sunlight, " she sings as the soldiers skip away, hand in hand. The video was quickly reposted.

Israeli officials told Ha'aretz that the film, "Batallion 50 Rock the Hebron Casbah," was a stunt by a few soldiers who will be disciplined. Several dances by British and American soldiers have been posted on YouTube, most notably a slinky Lady Gaga tribute by US troops. But they have all been on base rather than on patrol. The Palestine video is garnering praise and heated criticism. "Awesome people, brave as hell; been through hell, still laughing. God bless them," writes one YouTube viewer. Another incredulous viewer responds to earlier praise by asking: "Israeli soldiers are cool and funny?" (More IDF stories.)