Lenient toward suspects: the IDF's new procedure regarding sexual offenses

First publication: The IDF has changed its procedure for handling sexual harassment complaints that do not meet the criminal threshold, following a demand by the military defense. Suspects will receive a detailed explanation of the complaint and their rights, will be able to submit questions to the complainant and summon witnesses. The commander will choose the investigator.

First publication: ynet has learned that the IDF has significantly changed its procedure for handling complaints of sexual harassment that do not reach the criminal threshold, following a demand by the military defense. The change is intended to expand the rights of suspects (referred to as "nilonim") in the investigation process conducted by the Yahalom unit. According to the updated procedure, already at the first summons to the investigation, the suspect will receive a general description of the acts attributed to him, an explanation of the process and his rights, and a copy of the full procedure. In addition, the suspect will be able to submit questions to the complainant, who will be required to answer them, and to summon witnesses on his behalf. The complainant's commander will choose the investigator, rather than Yahalom personnel as before. The military defense stated that the move illustrates its role in shaping procedures while balancing the needs of the system with the rights of service members. The IDF Spokesperson chose not to comment.