From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Far-right MK Zvi Sukkot calls for probe into leaked footage of assault on Sde Teiman detainee
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Far-right lawmaker Zvi Sukkot calls on the IDF’s Military Advocate General to launch a probe into the leak of footage broadcast by Channel 12 which purports to show IDF servicemen sexually abusing a Palestinian security prisoner at the Sde Teiman detention facility.
Five soldiers are currently being held over allegations of the brutal sexual abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman holding facility.
In a letter to Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, Sukkot argues that the footage, “which was taken from the security cameras at the site, seemingly presents the military prosecution’s claim regarding the attack on the Hamas terrorist, even though the published documentation does not appear to confirm the serious claims.”
“Leaking and disclosure of investigative materials is a criminal offense that harms the proper legal process, the rule of law, public trust and the principle of justice,” he claims, asserting that the leak had caused “strategic” damage to Israel.
The footage showed soldiers at Sde Teiman taking aside one of detainees, who had been lying face down on the floor, then surrounding him with riot shields while they allegedly committed the abuse. The detainee was subsequently taken away for medical treatment for severe injuries.
Sukkot was one of dozens of far-right activists and lawmakers who rioted outside the Sde Teiman base last Monday after nine IDF soldiers were detained by Military Police investigators as part of an investigation into the alleged abuse. Sukkot was filmed pushing through the gates despite IDF efforts to block his entrance.
Speaking with The Times of Israel several days later, Sukkot said he had no regrets over his actions. Pulling out a card identifying him as a Knesset member, he falsely claimed that the accreditation gave him “the right to enter any place in the State of Israel.”
