IDF revises policy to expand protections of soldiers accused of sexual harassment, assault

The IDF has revised its policy to expand protections for soldiers accused of sexual assault or harassment in cases not eligible for criminal prosecution. The new rules, first reported by Ynet and verified by the Jerusalem Post, grant accused soldiers access to allegations and evidence, and the ability to submit questions for complainants. The change follows a High Court petition by the Military Defense Counsel.

The IDF has developed a new policy to expand the rights of soldiers accused of sexual assault or harassment in cases that are not eligible for criminal prosecution. The policy, first reported by Ynet on Thursday and independently verified by the Jerusalem Post, applies to internal inquiries conducted by the IDF Chief of Staff's Gender Affairs Advisor's Unit. Accused soldiers, referred to as respondents, will now receive a general description of the allegations, supporting evidence, and the full procedures when summoned. They may also submit questions to be asked of the alleged victim, though direct cross-examination is not permitted, and they can call witnesses on their behalf. The policy follows a petition by the Military Defense Counsel to the High Court of Justice, which argued that previous procedures violated the rights of the accused. The Gender Affairs Advisor's Unit will no longer appoint investigating officers; that responsibility shifts to the complainant's commander. According to IDF data, in 2025 only 10% of over 2,420 reports of sexual assault and harassment were investigated by military or civilian police, while 59% were handled through disciplinary channels. The framing relies on the defense counsel's claims about false complaints and procedural fairness, without including perspectives from victim advocacy groups.