New lab to identify fallen IDF troops by DNA

Facility to allow IDF to confirm identity of soldiers in case body is severely damaged

Akiva Novick|Published: 03.28.12 , 12:29

The IDF is to set up a new lab meant to identify fallen soldiers by their DNA, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday.

Chief IDF Rabbi Rafi Peretz has established a new Military Rabbinate division in recent months to deal with the identification of fallen troops – similar to the civilian organization ZAKA.

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Yedioth Ahronoth learned that the authority's first order of business is the installation of a DNA lab, which will allow the army to confirm the identity of a soldier in case the body is so badly damaged that visual, dental structure or fingerprint recognition is impossible.

The facility is expected to begin operating within a year, and is to be located at the IDF's Tzrifin Base.

The Military Rabbinate currently has no choice but to have DNA samples processed at one of Israel's two labs, one of which is operated by the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute while the other is managed by the police. The establishment of a new lab is expected to significantly speed up the identification process.

A senior Military Rabbinate official said that the lab is to be established in preparation for the possibility of a major emergency. He noted that DNA identification is required in 15% of fatalities.

The official said that the IDF collects a blood sample from each soldier who enlists.

The rabbinate is also looking into acquiring an advanced apparatus that cuts the DNA recognition process from eight hours to less than an hour.