Nine Israeli soldiers have been arrested for allegedly mistreating prisoners from Gaza, leading to widespread protests. Right-wing factions have criticized this, referring to it as a “self-destruct button” for the military.
“Loss of control,” “anarchy,” “signs of disintegration”: these phrases highlighted the morning headlines of major Israeli daily newspapers. The discussions revolve not around potential military retaliation by Israeli forces against Hezbollah in Lebanon but rather the violent clashes between military police, right-wing nationalist protesters, and several parliament members that occurred yesterday in front of the Sde Teiman prison camp in the Negev desert, where Palestinian prisoners from Gaza are held.
Military police, following orders from the military prosecutor general, arrested nine soldiers accused of severely sexually abusing a Palestinian prisoner at the prison camp. Consequently, around 200 right-wing nationalist demonstrators gathered at the army camp, supported by some members of parliament from the far-right coalition parties led by Security Minister Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich.
Israeli security forces and right-wing groups clashed in front of the Beit Lid prison.
Altercations erupted as the “mob,” as labeled by Channel 12 news, attempted to use violence to prevent the soldiers’ arrests. Smotrich urged resistance against the decision of the Attorney General of the Armed Forces, stating that the soldiers are heroes deserving of respect: “Soldiers are not arrested like criminals. I urge the Attorney General of the military: keep your hands off the soldiers!”
Call for protests
The nine soldiers were transferred to a military base in Beit Lid in the occupied West Bank for questioning, where protests against their arrest also turned violent. Among those calling for protests was Knesset member Tali Gottlieb from the Likud party. The Attorney General’s Office allegedly pressed the army’s “self-destruct button,” emphasizing, “Listen, the arrested individuals are nine of our soldiers. They are being questioned in Beit Lid. Input ‘Beit Lid Camp 21’ into your navigation system. In my opinion, they need to see us and hear us when they arrive.”
To avert further violent protests, the armed forces deployed three battalions to secure the Beit Lid military base, setting up roadblocks in the area.
Gallant calls for review
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant strongly condemned the situation, stating that the events of last night represented a serious blow to the state’s security and the authority of the government. He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to investigate whether far-right Security Minister Ben Gvir had intentionally restrained police forces.
Former minister Benny Gantz, leader of the largest opposition party and a former member of the so-called war cabinet, warned on his online channel: “We are facing very challenging days here in the north. The army is focused on dismantling Hezbollah; we must not dismantle the army.”
Clemens Verenkotte, ARD Tel Aviv, tagesschau, 30.07.2024 12:31
Arrests of Israeli Soldiers Spark Controversy and Protests
Nine Israeli soldiers were arrested for allegedly mistreating Palestinian prisoners from Gaza. This incident has sparked widespread protests and raised concerns among right-wing factions about the state of the military.
“Loss of control,” “anarchy,” “signs of disintegration”: these alarming phrases dominate the headlines of major Israeli daily newspapers following violent incidents at the Sde Teiman prison camp in the Negev Desert, where Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip are held. Rather than focusing on potential military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the media spotlight is on clashes involving Israeli military police, right-wing nationalist demonstrators, and several Knesset members.
The Israeli military police arrested nine soldiers under the orders of the military prosecutor general, who is investigating severe allegations of sexual abuse against a Palestinian prisoner. This resulted in approximately 200 right-wing nationalists gathering at the army camp, including members of parliament from the far-right coalition led by Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Israeli security forces and right-wing forces clashed in front of the Beit Lid prison.
Scuffles erupted as the demonstrators attempted to prevent the arrest of the soldiers. Smotrich called for resistance against the Attorney General’s decision, insisting that soldiers deserved respect and should not be treated as criminals. He stated, “Soldiers are heroes and deserve our respect. I urge the Attorney General to ‘take your hands off the soldiers!'”
Call for Protests
Following the arrests, the nine soldiers were transferred to a military base in Beit Lid in the occupied West Bank for questioning. Crowds continued to protest, incited by Knesset member Tali Gottlieb of the Likud party. Gottlieb lamented that the Army’s “self-destruct button” had been pressed, emphasizing the obligation of supporters to make their voices heard.
To maintain order and prevent further disturbances, Israeli forces deployed three army battalions to secure the Beit Lid military base, establishing roadblocks and increasing military presence in the area.
Gallant Calls for Investigations
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant strongly condemned the unrest, describing it as a detrimental blow to Israel’s security and government authority. He called for a thorough investigation into whether the far-right Security Minister Ben Gvir intentionally withheld police support during these events.
Benny Gantz, former minister and leader of the largest opposition party, warned through social media that while the army must focus on dismantling Hezbollah, it should not find itself dismantled amid such disturbances. “We face challenging times on the northern front. The army is busily engaged; we must ensure it remains structurally intact.”
Key Developments
- Nine Israeli soldiers arrested under suspicion of prison abuse.
- Significant protests from right-wing nationalists questioning military authority.
- Defense Minister calls for an investigation into governmental authority and military conduct.
- Increased military presence at sites of unrest to maintain public order.
Context and Implications
The events surrounding the arrests highlight rising tensions within Israeli society, particularly between the military, government authority, and right-wing factions. As protests grow, they underscore an urgent need for discussions about military conduct, the treatment of prisoners, and the balance of power between state authority and military operations.
Clemens Verenkotte, ARD Tel Aviv, tagesschau, 30.07.2024 12:31
