IDF Fires General Over Sexual Misconduct Claims

A reserve brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), formerly the commander of a military base, has on Saturday, been dismissed following serious allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct toward several female soldiers under his authority.

According to a report by Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, the officer remained in his post even after complaints were filed, due to what military officials claimed was a lack of an immediate replacement.

The allegations, made by multiple female soldiers, include reports of forced physical contact and inappropriate verbal comments.

One soldier alleged that the officer attempted to forcibly hug and kiss her, despite her efforts to resist.

“He tried to touch me, kiss me, and hug me forcibly.

“I tried to push him away from me,” she said.

Another soldier recounted him making a suggestive remark: “You can make indecent suggestions, if you know what I mean.”

Despite the seriousness of the claims, the officer continued to serve on the base for some time.

This decision has drawn sharp criticism and raised concerns about the military’s internal handling of sexual misconduct cases.

The IDF eventually confirmed that the officer’s role at the base concluded several days before the Kan investigation aired.

In an official statement, the IDF noted that the Military Police had launched an investigation into the officer, suspecting him of sexual harassment and assault.

“Following the prosecutor’s recommendation,” the statement read, “the officer met with the head of the Northern Command, Major General Ori Gordin, who decided to end his service.

A replacement is currently being appointed in accordance with IDF protocols.”

The officer’s name has not been released to the public, in line with privacy and legal standards.

According to further details revealed in the Kan report, the female soldiers filed formal complaints with the Military Prosecutor’s Office.

One of the complainants expressed frustration in a written message, noting the discomfort of still seeing the officer on base during the ongoing investigation.

The military representative acknowledged the concern, stating that the decision not to suspend the officer during that time was made by the Northern Command leadership, who were considering other operational factors.

“Unfortunately, the general in charge decided not to halt his reserve service.

“We are still handling the case,” the official wrote, adding that “there is currently no replacement available.

” The message concluded with an expression of empathy:

“I understand how you feel, we too had a different perspective, but the commanding officer must weigh additional considerations during this time.”

The response, or perceived lack thereof, has deeply angered families of the victims.

The mother of one of the female soldiers condemned the military’s actions, expressing heartbreak and disbelief.

“I sent my daughter to the army only to find out she’s on a battlefield facing a commander old enough to be her grandfather,” she told Kan.

“These girls are supposed to be protected by their commander, but instead, they’ve been suffering at his hands.

“He’s exploiting their innocence and vulnerability.

“I’m horrified by the military system.”

The scandal highlights ongoing issues within the Israeli military concerning sexual misconduct.

A 2022 report from the State Comptroller revealed that approximately one in three female conscripts in the IDF had experienced sexual harassment in the prior year.

The report also noted similarly troubling rates within other security services, including the police and prison service, where about one in four female personnel reported harassment or abuse.

This case has reignited calls for more decisive and transparent action by the IDF in handling sexual harassment cases, especially those involving senior officers.

Critics argue that delays in suspending or removing accused individuals send a damaging message to victims and may deter others from coming forward.

As the military moves to appoint a new commander for the base, attention is now focused on whether broader structural reforms will follow to address the culture of silence and ensure accountability, regardless of rank.

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