Investigation into soldiers for suspected sexual abuse raises tensions between Israeli military and conservative factions

Nine Israeli soldiers were scheduled to appear in front of a military court for an initial hearing related to allegations of sexual abuse of a Palestinian at a facility where Israel has housed prisoners from Gaza during the ongoing war. The investigation into the alleged abuse has led to tensions between the military command and hard-line nationalists within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, who advocate for more aggressive tactics in the conflict in Gaza.

The soldiers’ detention sparked protests demanding their release, including from members of parliament and government ministers. Supporters broke into the facility known as Sde Teiman in southern Israel and later into the military base where the soldiers were held, leading to altercations with troops before being removed. Defense lawyer Nati Rom, representing three of the soldiers, claimed they were innocent and did not provide specifics on the allegations of sexual abuse.

Reports from The Associated Press and rights groups have exposed poor conditions and abuses at the Sde Teiman facility. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, released a report citing instances of mistreatment, including detainees being forced to strip naked, photographed naked, and subjected to beatings, among other abuses. The military court hearing was anticipated to decide on extending the soldiers’ detention, potentially prompting further protests.

In response to the protests, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called for an investigation into whether National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir impeded the police response to the riots. Ben-Gvir denied the allegations and criticized the soldiers’ detention, describing them as heroes. The soldiers reportedly used force against a high-ranking Hamas militant during an incident at Sde Teiman, according to their defense lawyer.

Israeli authorities have detained thousands of Palestinians since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, with many passing through the Sde Teiman facility. Allegations of Israeli soldiers not being held accountable for crimes against Palestinians have intensified during the conflict. The military chief condemned the protesters’ actions and expressed support for the ongoing investigation by military prosecutors.

In Gaza, emergency workers recovered the bodies of 22 Palestinians in Khan Younis, with an additional seven people killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military announced the completion of operations in Khan Younis, where they claim to have killed dozens of Hamas militants and destroyed infrastructure. Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas following attacks which resulted in casualties and abductions, with some hostages still in captivity. Gaza Health Ministry data shows a significant number of Palestinians killed and injured during the conflict.