In a significant development, Military Police investigators raided a detention facility at the Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel on Monday to arrest soldiers suspected of seriously abusing a Palestinian terror detainee. The incident, which led to nine soldiers being taken for questioning, has sparked controversy and backlash from far-right politicians.
The investigation was initiated after a detainee from Gaza was hospitalized with signs of serious abuse, including injuries suggestive of severe mistreatment. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the Military Advocate General, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, ordered the investigation into the suspected abuse.
Israeli Military Police raid prison to arrest 9 troops suspected of abusing Palestinian inmate https://t.co/ZV63LlFdP9
— The Jewish Chronicle (@JewishChron) July 29, 2024
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, along with members of his far-right Otzma Yehudit party, strongly condemned the arrests, describing the detention of soldiers as “shameful.” Ben Gvir and other far-right figures, including MK Zvi Succot, called for public protests and even attempted to enter the base during the demonstrations.
The situation has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees at Sde Teiman, a facility already under scrutiny following allegations of widespread abuse, including physical restraints, beatings, and neglect. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Sde Teiman should only be used for short-term detention and questioning of Palestinian security detainees, a position that Ben Gvir opposes.
The controversy has prompted Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein to announce an urgent hearing to discuss the situation, emphasizing that such treatment of soldiers is unacceptable.
Israeli media reported on Monday that during a raid by the Israeli military police on an Israeli military base, there were clashes between the military and the soldiers stationed there.
The police reportedly came to the Sde Teiman camp near the deserthttps://t.co/pku4Z7wnnu
— Freedom Online (@FreedomOnlineng) July 29, 2024
The IDF had previously announced investigations into abuse reports at Sde Teiman, with the military opening 70 investigations by the end of May. The facility has been used to hold over 1,000 detainees from Gaza, suspected of involvement in terrorist activities, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
Key Points:
i. Military Police Raid: Israeli Military Police raided the Sde Teiman military base to arrest soldiers suspected of abusing a Palestinian detainee.
ii. Detainee’s Condition: The detainee was hospitalized with severe injuries, prompting the investigation.
iii. Political Backlash: Far-right politicians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, condemned the arrests and called for protests.
iv. Facility Under Scrutiny: Sde Teiman has faced previous allegations of detainee abuse, including physical restraints and beatings.
v. Urgent Hearing: The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will hold a hearing to address the controversy surrounding the treatment of soldiers and detainees.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
