The findings of the incident investigation were presented to the Chief of Staff yesterday (Sunday), following its investigation by the Commander of the Central Command. The investigation also included the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Head of the Manpower Directorate, the Chief Military Prosecutor, and the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division.
The investigation’s findings indicate that the force that was documented acted to prevent friction. The force operated in an area adjacent to an operation to evacuate an illegal outpost that was established during the night between Wednesday and Thursday in Area A.
Concurrently with the operation, a press team arrived at the scene along with several Palestinians. The soldiers operating at the scene separated the press team from the group of Palestinians and conducted security checks on both groups. After their checks, the team was released, except for one team member who was released after receiving the required approval for his release.
During the conversation with the reporters, one of the soldiers made an inappropriate statement that is not in line with the values of the IDF and the mission of IDF forces in the area.
The claim regarding violence perpetrated by one of the soldiers will be examined by the authorized bodies, and further action will be decided based on the findings. Regarding the claim of an assault on an elderly Palestinian prior to this incident, a preliminary review with all relevant parties found no indication at this stage of any harm to an elderly person by IDF forces.
The investigation revealed several failures in the conduct of the soldiers towards the reporters. In addition, deficiencies were found in behavioral norms, in deviations from IDF orders, and in inappropriate discourse with media personnel not in accordance with procedures.
The IDF respects and enables freedom of the press in the area and regrets the incident. It should be emphasized that during and after the incident, direct contact was maintained with the reporters, with personal apologies for the circumstances.
The Chief of Staff accepted the investigation’s findings and the commanders’ recommendations and noted that it was a professional investigation.
The Chief of Staff determined that this was a severe ethical and professional failure, including discourse and statements that are not appropriate for IDF soldiers and those in uniform to make. He further emphasized that the norms of behavior and discipline observed in the incident do not align with IDF values and the standards expected of its soldiers.
In accordance with the investigation’s findings, the Chief of Staff decided to adopt the commanders’ recommendations. Accordingly, the operational deployment carried out by the reserve battalion will be halted. The battalion will remain in reserve service and will undergo a process to strengthen its professional and normative foundations. The battalion will return to activity at the end of the process and according to the decision of the Command Commander.
The Chief of Staff expressed confidence in the battalion commander to lead the process of strengthening the foundations.
The Chief of Staff emphasized that IDF soldiers are required to maintain composure, stateliness, and respect for the uniforms they wear and the army they represent. Statements calling for revenge by IDF soldiers are extremely serious, even more so when uttered by a soldier carrying a weapon given to him solely for the purpose of carrying out his mission.
“This is a serious ethical incident that is not in line with IDF norms and values,” the Chief of Staff ruled. “We all took the soldier’s oath upon our enlistment – the use of a weapon is solely for the purpose of carrying out a mission. We will not accept such incidents within the IDF. Especially in the midst of this just and historic war, it is our duty to maintain the stateliness of the IDF and its values. The battalion is important to us, and we will invest heavily in its strengthening. We appreciate the reservists who operate with dedication, but there is no place in the IDF for unethical norms. The responsibility for maintaining values and military discipline rests primarily with the commanders, and we will not compromise on this.”