Troops charged with stealing equipment
Photo: AFP
Thieving IDF soldiers to be dismissed
Four IDF troops charged with stealing goods confiscated en route to Gaza Strip
Four IDF combat soldiers will apparently be dismissed from their combat unit after they were caught stealing equipment destined for the Palestinians at a roadblock en route to Gaza. The goods in questions were confiscated by authorities before the soldiers proceeded to steal them.
The four soldiers, including three career officers, arrived at the Kerem Shalom crossing, where goods are transferred from Israel into the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of January. At the time, some goods that were confiscated by authorities in the framework of the siege on Gaza were left in the area, including computer equipment, cigarettes, and plastic cups.
In recent days, the IDF Prosecutor's Office decided to indict the four troops on charges of stealing the goods. The equipment stolen includes a computer mouse, 10 memory chips, and 20 cellular phone earphones.
'Grave incident'
According to the indictment, one of the soldiers placed the equipment in his bag and took it home with him. His comrade, also a career officer, stole cigarettes worth NIS 2,400 (roughly $700 dollars.) A third soldier stole 150 CDs, while the fourth soldier only stole plastic cups.
The four soldiers were initially detained by Military Police investigators but were released 24 hours later, before being charged. IDF officials noted that the thefts constitute a grave incident that contradicts the army's values, particularly as the soldiers involved in the affair were supposed to ensure that civilian equipment in the area is not stolen.
Officials familiar with the affair say that beyond the criminal aspects of the case, the four soldiers are expected to face severe disciplinary measures within their units. Moreover, the three career officers are expected to end their IDF service.
