Mob storms IDF base over investigation into soldiers’ alleged abuse

A swarm of people breached the perimeter of an Israeli base in protest of a military investigation into the potential abuse of a prisoner housed there.

The protesters were upset with the announcement from the Israel Defense Forces that its Military Police Criminal Investigation Division was looking into the “suspected substantial abuse of a detainee” at the Sde Teiman base in Israel’s Negev desert, where Palestinian detainees have allegedly been held under extreme conditions.

At least nine reservists were detained for questioning as part of the investigation. Reservists and civilians protested their detention. At least one hard-right lawmaker, Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionist Party, was there, according to the New York Times.

“The incident of breaking into the Sde Yemen base is extremely serious and against the law. Breaking into a military base and disturbing the order there is serious behavior that is not acceptable in any way. We are at war, and actions of this kind endanger the security of the country. I strongly condemn the incident and we are working to restore order at the base,” IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi said.

He announced his support for the military prosecutor’s office and military police to investigate every incident.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, “I demand from all the members of the Knesset and especially from those responsible – to exercise it and calm the spirits immediately. The Israel Police must intervene and act immediately to restore law and order. I call on the protesters: leave the camp and let the IDF work and win.”

Halevi noted the protest was “harming the IDF, the security of the state and the war effort.”

Israel is continuing its operations in Gaza against Hamas and is preparing to retaliate against Hezbollah for a strike over the weekend in the Golan Heights that killed about a dozen children who were playing on a soccer field in Majdal Shams.