Probe continues
Photo: Moran Shavit
IDF abuse probe widens
Commander of armored corps regiment interrogated in connection with shocking abuse case; senior IDF official says conduct at regiment reminiscent of 'criminal subculture'
The probe into a shocking abuse case
involving IDF armored corps commanders is widening. On Thursday, military investigators interrogated the commander of the regiment involved in the scandal.
At this time it appears that military officials, acting on court orders, are looking into possible criminal aspects in the conduct of senior commanders in the regiment.
Troops tied up
Brigadier General Eyal Zamir has characterized the conduct in the maligned unit as resembling the "norms of a criminal subculture." A company commander involved in the affair was dismissed several days ago and sent to 30 days in prison while other commanders were also punished.
Zamir, who looked into the alleged acts, ruled that commanders in the company were aware of the abuse directed at junior soldiers.
Humiliating acts
An investigation revealed numerous humiliation tactics used by the abusers. Among other things, new arrivals at the unit were ordered to eat leftovers, and were also tied up and beaten by more senior troops.
A significant part of the abuse was undertaken in the presence of other soldiers in order to increase the sense of humiliation.
Commanders involved in the affair say they should not be held solely responsible for the acts, claiming that the norms in the unit constitute a 30-year tradition.
