4 soldiers indicted after soldier seriously wounded during hazing ritual

A combat soldier in the IDF’s Panther Battalion was recently hospitalized in serious condition with a punctured lung after being violently assaulted during a so-called “award ceremony,” with four veteran soldiers now indicted for abuse and causing aggravated bodily harm, the Maariv news outlet reports.

According to the indictment, the incident took place during an informal hazing ritual in which older troops are meant to present younger soldiers with personal gear. In this case, prosecutors say the practice deviated drastically from accepted norms, escalating into repeated acts of extreme violence.

In the most severe incident, the soldier was punched in the ribs and struck in the back with a weapon attachment, leaving him with a broken rib and internal bleeding. He later lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery and was treated in intensive care for several days. The soldier is now in stable condition, but is not expected to return to combat duty at this stage.

Issuing a statement in response, the IDF says, “This is a grave incident that is unacceptable and deviates from IDF orders,” adding that the case was “investigated immediately upon becoming known” and led to a Military Police probe.

The army says the four soldiers have been charged with “joint abuse and causing aggravated bodily harm under aggravated circumstances,” and notes that “in one case [they] caused a soldier real injury requiring medical treatment.” A military court has extended their detention.

“The IDF views acts of abuse with utmost severity… and will act to bring to justice any soldier or commander found involved in such acts,” the statement says.

Addressing claims that commanders were aware of or encouraged the behavior, the IDF says, “A thorough review found that commanders were not aware of the violent incident, and no cooperation by the command staff in the act was identified.”

However, a military source tells Maariv that beyond the arrests and indictments, the soldiers involved have been removed from combat roles, and a squad commander involved in the case has been disciplined. The platoon commander will reportedly not be promoted to core positions, while the company commander will not be recommended for an excellence commendation.

The company was also reportedly relocated to allow closer supervision by the battalion commander and is holding educational talks to reinforce norms and values.