IDF confirms female troops were accosted while helping in rescue efforts at Meron

The IDF confirms several Home Front Command female soldiers were physically and verbally accosted after arriving to assist in rescue efforts at the gravesite at Mount Meron, where 45 people were crushed to death in a deadly stampede during Lag B’Omer celebrations.

“The force continued on its mission and ignored the harmful behavior,” the military says in a statement.

The matter was raised by soldiers during an initial investigation into the incident, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

“The IDF views this incident very severely and condemns any violence — physical or verbal — toward female and male soldiers. The IDF in general and Home Front Command in particular will continue to extend a hand, to assist and to save any citizen or resident in a time of need,” the military adds.

Hebrew media reports said five female Home Front Command soldiers were targeted.