“Allegations of abuse by the IDF have sparked international condemnation, with human rights organizations calling for transparent investigations and accountability.” – Human Rights Watch, reflecting on reports of prisoner mistreatment.
The corridors of Israeli media were set ablaze when Yehuda Schlesinger, a figure known for his sharp right-wing rhetoric, made an explosive and deeply unsettling statement. During a broadcast, Schlesinger seemed to suggest that the alleged sexual abuse of a Palestinian detainee by Israeli soldiers wasn’t just an isolated act of vengeance—it should be, in his words, standard state policy. His comment sent shockwaves through the public and media alike, sparking outrage across the political spectrum.
Israeli journalist Yehuda Schlesinger from the Israel Hayom newspaper called for the widespread rape of Palestinian prisoners during an unchallenged panel discussion on Israeli TV. pic.twitter.com/rqTl6oriud
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) August 8, 2024
By the following morning, the weight of the backlash had Schlesinger on the defensive. During an interview with Radio 103FM, he conceded that his remarks were a grave error. “I was wrong,” he admitted, acknowledging the legitimacy of the criticism. Despite walking back his incendiary comments, Schlesinger didn’t shy away from reiterating his belief in the death penalty for terrorists—a position he has long held.
The controversy centers around a harrowing case that has captured the attention of the nation. Five IDF reservists are currently detained, accused of committing unspeakable acts against a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention facility. This facility was hastily established in the chaotic aftermath of the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks. What was meant to be a temporary processing center for terror suspects has now become synonymous with severe allegations of abuse.
Yehuda Schlesinger, a journalist from Israel Hayom, appeared on Channel 12’s morning show & expressed his belief that the government should officially endorse torture. He also made a false claim that “30 of our daughters” were tied to trees and attacked on October7 pic.twitter.com/1sZf1ZvBZw
— Moon Rise (@Alijiah0) August 7, 2024
The public’s outrage was further inflamed when Channel 12 broadcast leaked footage that purportedly shows the abuse in disturbing detail. In the grainy video, soldiers are seen surrounding a detainee with riot shields before allegedly committing the assault. The detainee, left with serious injuries, was later transported for urgent medical care. The images and the implications they carry have added fuel to the firestorm already consuming the nation.
The international response has been swift and unequivocal. The U.S. State Department has called for a thorough investigation, with a stern reminder that there must be “zero tolerance” for such acts. The pressure from abroad only heightens the already intense scrutiny on how Israel handles these accusations.
Domestically, the scandal has stirred deep divisions. Far-right activists, including members of the Knesset, have rallied in defense of the accused soldiers, claiming they are victims of an unjust system. In a dramatic turn, these extremists even broke into military facilities, protesting the soldiers’ detention. Concurrently, families of those affected by the October 7 attacks, their grief still fresh, have disrupted High Court proceedings as they push for the closure of the Sde Teiman facility, further complicating the narrative.
🇮🇱 Yehuda Schlesinger (Israeli journalist) advocated the sodomisation of Palestinian detainees should be ‘standard state practice’.
Brutal sexual abuse of Palestinians is ‘deserved’ and a ‘great revenge’ that ‘serves as a deterrent’.
After the clip went viral, he has now… pic.twitter.com/zLujK6wja9
— OnePath Network (@OnePathNetwork) August 9, 2024
The state’s response has been measured, almost calculated. Officials admit that some detainees have been subjected to prolonged restraint and blindfolding, which they argue is necessary for security reasons. However, when it comes to the more serious accusations of abuse, the state has remained largely silent, committing only to ongoing investigations.
As the investigation unfolds and the national discourse intensifies, this case has become more than just a legal matter; it’s a litmus test for the nation’s moral compass. It raises difficult questions about the balance between security and human rights, the ethical boundaries of military action, and the very soul of a nation that prides itself on upholding the rule of law even in the most challenging of times. The outcome of this scandal will likely resonate far beyond the confines of the courtroom, echoing through the halls of government and into the heart of Israeli society.
Major Points
- Yehuda Schlesinger, a prominent right-wing journalist, retracts inflammatory comments endorsing the alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee by IDF soldiers.
- Schlesinger faces backlash, admitting his mistake while still advocating for the death penalty in terror cases.
- The scandal involves five IDF reservists accused of severe abuse at the Sde Teiman detention facility, where leaked footage has intensified public outcry.
- The U.S. State Department demands a thorough investigation, emphasizing zero tolerance for such abuses by soldiers.
- Protests from far-right activists and victims’ families further fuel the controversy, as Israel’s High Court debates the future of the detention center.
Quotes
- “The IDF operates under strict guidelines, and any incidents of abuse are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct.” – IDF spokesperson, in response to allegations of prisoner abuse.
- “We have documented numerous cases where Palestinian detainees have been subjected to physical and psychological abuse by Israeli forces, raising serious concerns about the treatment of prisoners under Israeli custody.” – Amnesty International, highlighting the ongoing concerns about prisoner treatment.
- “The mistreatment of prisoners is a violation of both Israeli law and international human rights standards. These practices not only harm the victims but also undermine Israel’s moral standing in the world.” – B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
