Army chief speaks out after officer accused of filming female troops

IDF Chief Aviv Kohavi says an officer arrested for allegedly secretly filming female soldiers will be discharged, vowing zero tolerance for those who harm any member of the military.

Dan Sharoni, a lieutenant colonel at a military driving school on the Bahad 6 base, was arrested two weeks ago for suspected sexual offenses. A gag order barring publication of the case was lifted on Wednesday.

Over the course of several years, on different bases where he served, Sharoni allegedly filmed dozens of female soldiers using hidden cameras and stole intimate photos of troops under his command.

“This is unacceptable and serious behavior that we condemn and denounce,” Kohavi says in a statement to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. “Alongside the criminal process and bringing him to justice, we are working to discharge him immediately.”

“We are committed to creating an environment of respect for all those serving in the IDF,” he adds.