From the Liveblog of
Friday, July 17, 2026
Report: No charges filed in almost all IDF probes into Palestinian prisoner deaths, abuse
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The IDF has opened 57 criminal investigations into the deaths of Gazans and one Lebanese detainee in military custody during the war, but none have resulted in an indictment, despite most deaths occurring inside military detention facilities equipped with security cameras and potential witnesses, Haaretz reports, citing the Hatzlacha organization, which describes itself as aiming to promote a fair society in Israel.
Of the 57 investigations, seven of the cases involved inmates who were shot to death. The military was reportedly unable to identify suspects in most of the cases.
According to data obtained by the Hatzlacha through Freedom of Information requests, an additional 19 investigations were opened into alleged beatings, violence or the “unlawful use of force,” but only two indictments were filed.
One resulted in the conviction of a truck driver who transported detainees to the Sde Teiman detention facility, while the other, against soldiers from Force 100 — a Military Police reserve unit tasked with guarding terror suspects at the Sde Teiman base — over alleged abuse of a Gazan detainee, was later dropped after the complainant was returned to Gaza before testifying in court.
The report also notes that most investigations into suspected looting by Israeli troops in Gaza and Lebanon have ended without charges. Only one indictment over looting has resulted in a conviction, while another was filed over the removal of three motorcycles from Gaza. Cases involving soldiers taking household electrical appliances were reportedly handled through disciplinary proceedings rather than criminal prosecution.
“The IDF operates in accordance with international law, IDF values, and its binding orders, and takes measures to minimize harm to uninvolved civilians,” the military says in response to the report. “Whenever there is suspicion of conduct that is inconsistent with the law or IDF orders, it is examined and handled according to the circumstances. Accordingly, during the war, several investigations were opened into suspected violations of this nature.”
The Times of Israel Community.