IDF dismisses base commander over allegations of sexual misconduct against female soldiers

A reserve brigadier general who served as the commander of an Israel Defense Forces base has been dismissed over allegations of sexual harassment and indecent acts toward female soldiers under his command, after having continued to serve on the base as complaints were being filed, due to what officials said was a lack of a replacement, the Kan public broadcaster reported Friday.

In response to a report aired by Kan earlier Friday detailing the allegations, the IDF said the officer had ended his role at the base several days prior.

“Military Police investigated him on suspicion of sexual harassment and assault,” the army said in a statement. “Following the prosecutor’s recommendation, the officer met with the head of the Northern Command [Ori Gordin], who decided to terminate his service. A replacement is being appointed in accordance with IDF procedures.”

The officer’s identity was not permitted for publication.

According to the original report, multiple female soldiers filed complaints with the military, accusing the officer of inappropriate physical contact, including forcibly hugging and attempting to kiss them, as well as making inappropriate remarks.

One soldier recounted: “He tried to touch me, kiss me, and hug me forcibly. I tried to push him away from me.”

Another said he told her, “You can make indecent suggestions, if you know what I mean.”

Despite the complaints, the officer continued to serve in his post for some time because the military was reportedly unable to find someone to replace him.

In a message to a representative of the Military Prosecutor’s Office during the investigation, one soldier wrote: “We continue to see him regularly at the base — is there anything new?”

The representative responded that the IDF Northern Command chief had opted not to suspend the officer at that stage.

“Unfortunately, the general in charge decided not to halt his reserve service. We are still handling the case,” the official wrote.

“We were also told that there is currently no replacement available. I understand how you feel — we too had a different perspective, but the commanding officer must weigh additional considerations during this time,” they added.

The mother of one of the complainants told Kan she was outraged by the army’s handling of the case.

“I sent my daughter to the army only to find out she’s on a battlefield facing a commander old enough to be her grandfather,” she said, adding that the commander is supposed to protect them, but instead, “they’ve been suffering at his hands for some time. He takes advantage of their vulnerability and innocence. I’m horrified by the military system.”

A State Comptroller report released in 2022 found that around a third of female soldiers conscripted into the IDF had been sexually harassed over the past year. One in four female conscripts in the police or prison services was sexually harassed or abused, the report said.