'At the center of our society is the all-able IDF'
Photo: Avir Sultan, GPO
No personal security in Israel
IDF must redefine security in light of sex scandal
The story of rape at the air force base in the south can be added to the long list of incidents of rape and murder of women in Israel. The current instance is not unique to the military; it also happens in schools, on the street, and in private homes.
But the appalling case in question emphasizes, in the most cynical way, the need to redefine the concept of security in Israel.
The rape of a child is but one example of the lack of security Israeli women feel, even at the heart of the most respected "security" apparatus in Israeli society.
At the center of our society is the all-able IDF, with its massive budget and ability to stall any and all civilian discussion by claiming "defense needs." It is this apparatus that has embarrassingly been exposed for using teenage girls, and women in general, as objects – nothing more than sex toys – and as the personal possession of soldiers.
Is it possible?
How could it be that an entire base knew what was going on but said nothing? Where are the officers, starting with the chief of staff, to take some responsibility? Who is the government minister in charge of all this?
This immoral stain, this human failure is a blight on the entire defense establishment, yet no one objects when the military fails to take responsibility. Both male and female soldiers are silent in the face appalling acts that happen in front of their very eyes. They lack the ability to discern between good and bad, to identify our common enemy.
The concept of "national security" is at the top of our list of public issues, and it sets the agenda for our entire country. "Foreign" attacks are understood to threaten our existence at the most basic level.
Pseudo-issues
On the other hand, our personal, individual safety in our homes, the fear we experience in and around our homes – these are transparent, and are not treated as real "security" issues.
The threat against our women and children, sexual attacks and violence are not linked to security, and are dismissed with cursory statements such as "it was all a scheme."
The security establishment is blind to personal safety and the safety of our children. It ignores women's existential fear of terrorism at home, of being exploited and beaten.
The security cabinet still hasn't met to discuss the issue, but the girl in question has been banned from the base. Once again, we can breath easy: security has been put restored. The great threat against a military fortress, a little girl that led an entire brigade of our best warriors astray – has been neutralized.
A comparison
Compare the way soldier-rapists are dealt with to the way case of Hananel Dayan, the award-winning soldier who refused to shake hands with Chief of Staff Halutz because of the latter's participation in last year's Gaza disengagement program. Whereas Dayan was dismissed immediately from his unit, the dozens of soldiers at the air force base in question continue to serve. It is the girl who has been punished.
We are all familiar with the military establishment, and with the fact that things like this are not hidden from the officers responsible. Still, at least 35 people managed to exploit, rape and share the girl with their friends.
But it’s a big base, and at the moment there is a cloud hanging over the entire population, from the lowliest private to the highest general.
Things will only change if those responsible for these criminals vomit them out of their midst. They must remember that silence is comparable to collaboration, and to agreement. This is not a battle for women alone – teenage boys and adult men must also listen, and express their disgust and abhorrence at these acts.
Break the code of silence. Don't let it stick to you.
Chedva Eyal is the head of the "Women for Women" organization
