One of the soldiers involved in affair
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Marmara looter going to jail
IDF soldier convicted of stealing equipment from Gaza-bound ship sentenced to five-month term
An IDF Officers' Course cadet who admitted to stealing electronic equipment from Turkish vessel Marmara was sentenced Monday to a five-month prison term.
This marked the first time an IDF soldier is convicted in connection with the affair, which was first reported by Ynet.
Looting Affair
Hanan Greenberg
Ynet learns military police suspect officer, soldier sold laptop computers stolen from aid ships while they docked in Ashdod, after controversial IDF raid. Officials say investigation likely to prove 'highly shameful' for Israel
"The gravest punishment for me is that I won't become an officer," the soldier, who was not identified by his full name, said. "I'm sorry for disappointing my commanders, who expected me to reach high places."
"I express complete regret over what I did. This is the most foolish thing I did in my life. I'm sorry for portraying myself negatively in the face of global public opinion; I hope I will be able to clear the stain on my military service," he said. "I will do everything I can in order to complete my service properly."
In their verdict, the judges said that the case constitutes a grave, ugly mishap by a commander, and that his actions had wide-ranging implications, beyond the IDF's and the State of Israel's image.
According to the indictment, the soldier boarded the Marmara after it docked at the Ashdod Port, following the lethal IDF raid on the Gaza-bound vessel. He arrived with a bag containing drinks, but later removed them and instead placed a laptop, two camera lenses and a compass in the bag.
The soldier confessed to the theft after he was detained. Three other soldiers are currently facing a trial over their role in the looting affair.
