Rise from previous years: 18 rape investigations opened in the IDF since the start of the year

The IDF has opened 18 rape investigations since the start of the year, an increase of 6-8 cases compared to previous years. 47% of the suspects are conscripted soldiers, and most cases occur in training bases. Meanwhile, indictments were filed against seven soldiers for severe abuse of young soldiers, including systematic physical and mental violence.

Kan News revealed this evening that since the beginning of the year, the IDF has opened 18 investigations into rape cases, an increase of about 6 to 8 cases compared to previous years. 47% of the suspects are conscripted soldiers, and most cases occur in training bases, at the beginning of military service. The IDF stated that it will treat every complaint seriously and that the increase in complaints stems from a rise in awareness of the issue. Additionally, at the beginning of the month, seven soldiers from a combat engineering unit were charged with severe abuse of young soldiers. The indictments describe a regular pattern of physical and mental violence, humiliations, and systematic punishment, including beating soldiers with fists and whipping them with weapon barrels, as part of what was defined as "Pazam games." The soldiers refrained from complaining or seeking medical treatment for fear of further violence.