IDF finds two commanders abused ultra-Orthodox soldiers

Soldiers in the religious Netzah Yehuda battalion alleged that they were frequently abused by commanders during training, Channel 12 reported Monday, citing an internal Israel Defense Forces probe.

The soldiers made the complaints during a surprise inspection of the base last year, alleging that they were beaten, humiliated, and denied medical treatment.

Among the allegations made were that a soldier was kicked in the ribs for not being fast enough during a training run. Another soldier said that he had urinated in his pants due to extreme cold and was ordered to remain in his soiled clothes the entire day.

Several soldiers reported being denied medical treatment, while others said they were not given the time promised to attend to religious needs like prayer.

Responding to the report the IDF said that two non-commissioned officers, a sergeant and a squad commander, had been disciplined.

“Following the findings of the report, an investigation was carried out by the base commander, which found that two commanders failed in their duties,” the IDF said. “The base commander relieved one of them of his command and issued a disciplinary reprimand to another.”

Channel 12, quoting from the internal probe, said that the incidents were particularly problematic given the difficulty the IDF has in getting ultra-Orthodox youth to join the army.

Haredi men can get army exemptions by signing up to study in a yeshiva. Those that do choose to join often face intense social pressure from their families and communities, who oppose military service.

The battalion was created so that ultra-Orthodox and other religious soldiers can serve without feeling they are compromising their beliefs. The soldiers do not interact with female troops to the same extent as other servicemen and are given additional time for prayer and religious study.

“Most of the soldiers indicated that they wanted to serve and be combat troops, but they say that they are not being allowed to do so, they are belittled, disregarded and there is a constant environment of fear,” the report said.

Soldiers in the religious Netzah Yehuda Battalion of the Kfir Infantry Brigade, which operates in the West Bank, have been at the center of several controversies connected to right-wing extremism and violence against Palestinians.