Israeli ultranationalist demonstrators breached an army installation to express solidarity with soldiers accused of egregious misconduct towards a Palestinian captive.
Mass Protests at Sde Teiman Compound
Israeli Military protests Vast crowds amassed outside the Sde Teiman compound as military police apprehended the reservists, now under formal investigation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denounced the episode, urging for “an immediate de-escalation of tensions.”
Second Military Base Breached
Demonstrators also infiltrated another military installation where the reservists were interrogated, though police successfully dispersed them, according to a spokesperson.
Reports of Abuse at Sde Teiman
For months, Sde Teiman, located near Beersheba in southern Israel, has been embroiled in reports of severe mistreatment of Gazan detainees. On Monday, dozens of protesters, including far-right legislators from Israel’s ruling coalition, stormed through the base’s gate while others attempted to scale the fence, chanting, “We will not forsake our comrades, especially not for terrorists.”
Confrontation Between Soldiers and Military Police
Reports suggest some soldiers at the base employed pepper spray against military police who came to detain the reservists. Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi labeled the incursion at Sde Teiman as “extremely serious and unlawful.” He added, “We are in the midst of a conflict, and such actions jeopardize national security. I strongly condemn the incident, and we are working to re-establish order at the base.”
Protesters Breach Beit Lid Military Base
Protesters also breached the Beit Lid military base in central Israel where the accused reservists were questioned. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the necessity of continuing the investigation into the soldiers’ conduct, stating, “Even in times of anger, the law applies to everyone.”
Political Reactions
However, some Israeli politicians criticized the arrest of the reservists. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right national security minister, described their detention as “utterly disgraceful.”
Allegations of Abuse
Local media reports indicate that at least nine Israeli soldiers at the base are accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee, suspected of being a Hamas combatant captured in Gaza. The detainee reportedly required hospitalization after suffering severe sexual abuse and injuries that left him unable to walk.
Investigation Ordered
The Israeli military confirmed that its advocate general had mandated an investigation “following suspected significant abuse of a detainee.” Since the Hamas assault on October 7, Israeli authorities have detained thousands of Palestinians, often without legal representation.
Medical Allegations and Human Rights Concerns
The BBC has previously spoken to medical personnel at a field hospital established in Sde Teiman, who alleged that detainees were blindfolded, permanently shackled to their beds, and forced to wear diapers instead of being allowed to use toilets.
Last month, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper published claims by a doctor at Sde Teiman that two prisoners underwent leg amputations due to injuries from cuffing. The BBC has not independently verified these allegations.
Denials of Systematic Abuse
Detainees have recounted to journalists and United Nations officials instances of being beaten and attacked. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have denied systematic abuse.
Amnesty International’s Call to Action
Many Gazans detained by the Israeli army are released without charges after interrogation. Amnesty International recently urged Israel to end the indefinite detention of Gaza Palestinians and what it termed “pervasive torture” in its prisons.
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