A probe involving Israeli soldiers facing accusations of sexual abuse toward a Palestinian detainee has ignited protests across the region.
According to the Associated Press (AP), nine soldiers were set to appear in a military court at Beit Lid base on Tuesday. They are accused of sexual misconduct at the Sde Teiman facility, notorious for its harsh conditions, which has held many Palestinians during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The court is expected to decide on extending the soldiers’ detention.
The detainment has provoked protests from supporters, including members of Israel’s parliament and government officials, who are opposing the investigation and pushing for tougher measures against detainees. Hundreds of demonstrators even breached Sde Teiman and later the military base where the soldiers were confined.
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In response to the protests, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has denounced the break-ins and has called for an investigation into claims that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir obstructed police response during the riots, as reported to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Conversely, Ben-Gvir labeled the delay allegations as unfounded in his letter to Netanyahu, the AP detailed.
This unrest comes in the wake of a prolonged conflict with Hamas that started after a deadly attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages. Current estimates suggest about 120 hostages are still held, with around a third presumed deceased.
As a result of the escalating conflict, Israel has launched its most severe airstrikes in Gaza, leading to a significant death toll of over 39,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This rising number has brought about global calls for a ceasefire.
Details surrounding the allegations remain murky. Nati Rom, a defense attorney for three of the soldiers, mentioned that the incident in question occurred a month ago when the detainee allegedly assaulted officers during a search. Rom asserted that while the soldiers used “force,” they did not engage in any sexual misconduct. He also stated that the detainee was a high-ranking member of Hamas and described the alleged acts as “sodomy.”
Rom is affiliated with Honenu, a nationalist legal organization that defends Israeli military personnel involved in clashes with Palestinians.
The AP also noted that Rom’s version of events and the detainee’s identity couldn’t be independently substantiated. The military has provided few details but has described the allegations as “substantial abuse.”
These recent accusations follow a report from the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) in April, which highlighted claims from released detainees of being beaten and subjected to humiliating treatment in custody.
Israeli officials have consistently denied these allegations, asserting compliance with military and international laws, and claim to conduct independent investigations regarding any reported abuses.