IDF troops admit to taking bribes from Palestinians at checkpoints
Two soldiers caught red-handed during investigation into rumors they accepted bribes from Palestinians seeking to enter Israel
The soldiers' commanders launched a covert investigation following rumors of the soldiers' actions. The two were caught in the act and promptly arrested by military police.
The affair began several days ago, when unit commanders grew suspicious that a number of soldiers manning roadblocks near the West Bank city of Tulkarm were allowing Palestinians to cross without examination – for the price of several hundred shekels.
An investigation into the matter was launched after the suspicions were reported to the brigade commander. The two soldiers in question were then subsequently caught refraining from inspecting some of the Palestinians crossing in accordance with regulations.
A search through the soldiers' personal equipment revealed a stash of several hundred shekels. "The soldiers immediately confessed," a military official said.
"The Kfir Brigade has proven in its handling of this incident that it will act aggressively against any breach of morals, does not hide anything, and condemns this kind of behavior."
The two suspects have been transferred military police custody, and are scheduled to stand trial at the Tzrifin Military Court this weekend. Officials at the military prosecution predict the charges brought against the two will be very grave.
The soldiers' colleagues responded to the incident with dismay, but also with a certain degree of understanding.
"The brigade works very hard and manages to accomplish many operational objectives," one of the soldiers said.
"These two soldiers continued to serve despite have sustained leg wounds, because they understood how important it is to be combat soldiers. Maybe they made a mistake, but everyone should know how hard it is to be stationed at roadblocks – you hardly eat, you hardly sleep at night. This situation can sometimes lead to mistakes."
Commanders' awareness commended
Attorney Benny Koznitz, an expert on military criminal law, told Ynet that the crime associated with the soldiers, bribery carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. They may also be charged with endangering national security, for which the maximum penalty is ten years.
"The military courts judge soldiers that commit such crimes with the utmost severity, especially during
times when the terror organizations are attempting everything and anything possible to carry out murderous terror attacks," Koznitz added.
The IDF Spokesperson's Office commended the soldiers' commanders. "The awareness and determination of the commander of the Kfir Brigade allowed for the soldiers to be tracked down."
