A significant protest occurred in Israel as dozens of demonstrators, including members of the right-wing Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), confronted military police following the arrest of nine soldiers suspected of abusing a Palestinian prisoner. The protest took place at the Sde Teiman detention facility in southern Israel and was prompted by a military investigation into the case.
The protests unfolded on Monday, with demonstrators waving Israeli flags and attempting to storm the facility’s gate in an effort to prevent the soldiers’ arrest, shouting “shame.” They defended the soldiers by claiming they were fulfilling their duties, and several civilians joined the protests to show their support. Witnesses reported attempts to break into the detention facility, and one soldier spoke to Haaretz, stating that some military personnel directed pepper spray at military police attempting to apprehend the soldiers. The protests extended to the Beit Lid military base, where the soldiers were transported.
The Israeli military emphasized that the nine soldiers were detained due to serious allegations of prisoner abuse that resulted in injuries severe enough to require hospitalization for the Palestinian detainee. The army’s chief legal advisor has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Following the protests, Israeli Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi condemned the demonstration as serious and unacceptable, especially in a wartime context. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called for an immediate de-escalation of the situation, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stressed that authorized parties must be allowed to conduct necessary investigations.
On the other hand, several right-wing politicians, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, quickly stepped forward to defend the soldiers, demanding that the military halt the investigation. Smotrich released a video urging the military attorney to “keep his hands off Israel’s heroes.”
While some politicians support the soldiers, human rights organizations such as Breaking the Silence have criticized the protests as endorsing the brutal treatment of Palestinians. This organization has highlighted the horrific conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners, including torture and medical abuse during detention.
As international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees increases, reports of mistreatment and abuse in Israeli prisons have intensified, especially in light of the recent military offensive against Gaza. According to human rights groups, several Palestinian detainees have died due to inadequate medical care and abuse from prison staff.
The ongoing debate about the soldiers’ accountability in this case underscores a deep division within Israeli society, which balances support for the military against demands for accountability regarding abuses. With over 39,000 Palestinians killed since the onset of the conflict, pressure is mounting on Israeli authorities to take responsibility for their actions.