Image Credits: Al Jazeera
Nine Israeli soldiers were arrested on suspicion of abusing a Palestinian prisoner in the Sde Teiman prison, sparking a furious backlash from the country’s far-right politicians and a wider national debate about the military’s conduct and accountability.
The arrests, which were ordered by military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, were strongly opposed by prominent far-right figures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich published a video message X on social networks, in which he fiercely criticized the decision. “Take your hands off Israel’s heroic soldiers,” Smotrich demanded, defending the soldiers as patriots who should not be subjected to such scrutiny.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other members of his far-right Otzma Yehudit party announced plans to personally visit Sde Teiman to demand the immediate release of the soldiers. Ben-Gvir’s announcement underscored a deep ideological divide in Israeli politics, particularly regarding the role of the military and the treatment of prisoners.
Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Yuli Edelstein also expressed strong disapproval of the arrests. Announcing an urgent hearing to address the issue, Edelstein stated, “Our soldiers are not criminals, and I cannot tolerate the despicable pursuit of our soldiers.” His statement underlines an important faction in the Israeli government that sees the investigation as an attack against the integrity of the military.
But not all reactions resisted arrest. Yair Golan, president of the Israeli Labor Party and former deputy chief of staff, emphasized the importance of accountability in the army. “It is the duty of the army and the state to investigate crimes committed by soldiers who acted against orders,” Golan said. He further asserted that the army must avoid any violation of the law, maintain strict discipline and follow orders to uphold its ethical standards.
The incident highlighted a wider debate about the ethical limits and oversight of military operations in conflict zones. At the heart of the debate is the tension between maintaining security and upholding legal and moral standards, with far-right politicians promoting militarism and protecting soldiers, while others demand strict accountability.
As the situation develops, the results of the emergency Knesset session and the reactions of various political and military leaders are likely to influence the ongoing debate about military conduct and justice in Israel. The nation is watching closely as its leaders try to balance respect for the military with respect for human rights and the rule of law.