IDF abuse goes to the Knesset

Knesset set to discuss IDF abuse case

MKs call for meetings in State Control, Foreign Affairs and Defense committees to deal with cases of severe abuse of soldiers by commanders in Armored Corps brigade as part of hazing ceremony. MK Hasson may ask for state comptroller's intervention

Amnon Meranda

Published:

07.19.09, 08:34 / Israel News

Following the exposure of the severe abuse cases involving IDF Armored Corps troops and commanders, Kadima MK Nachman Shai said Saturday evening that he plans to initiate a special discussion on the matter in the Knesset plenum.

Chairman of the State Control Committee MK Yoel Hasson said he plans to consult with State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss and possibly have him intervene in the case. "One of the central symbols of the IDF is the military and its commanders' morality, and such behavior taints the image of the excellent commanders."

Ynet reported on Friday that a group of 20 newly inducted soldiers placed with the Armored Corps' 188 Brigade were subjected to abuse by their squad commanders as part of a hazing ceremony.

The soldiers were humiliated and beaten to the point of suffering substantial bruising and scarring. The event, described as extremely violent, was apparently sanctioned by the company commander.

Senior officers in the IDF quickly and severely dealt with the matter when it came to light, and the officers involved in the incident were sentenced to various jail terms. The company commander was dismissed from his post.

Brigadier-General (res.) Shai, a former IDF spokesperson, told Ynet, "It's incredible to find that in the summer of 2009, there are still soldiers subject to every whim of their commanders."

Likud MK Miri Regev, who also served as an IDF spokesperson, said, "This is a serious incident that does not represent the spirit of the military." She added that she expected senior commanders to identify and deal with such incidents immediately, and in a way that will deter others from carrying out such deeds in the future.

MK Eitan Cabel (Labor) said he plans on calling a special session in the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. "I was shocked by the case," the MK said. "It's important to stress that the violence and hazing continue despite the fact that it was long ago proven that this does not make the soldiers better, but on the contrary – it breaks them and makes them lose their motivation."