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IDF probes topless photos scandal
Six female IDF soldiers pose topless next to historic airplanes at air force museum; museum director fumes: “you’ve insulted the museum”, soldiers claim photos ‘traditional’
A senior IDF officer has been appointed to investigate an incident at the Air Force Museum in Hazerim in which six museum guides posed topless next to historic aircraft, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported Thursday.
The soldier-guides claim there is a museum tradition for guides to pose nude before completing their military service.
One male soldier serving at the museum heard about the photo shoot and snuck into the “models” quarters to steal the negatives and photographs.
Now, tension is high around the base, and the base commander has appointed an officer to investigate the incident.
The soldiers posed in front of as many planes as possible. One, the legendary “Spitfire” flown by late Israeli president Ezer Weizmann, who spoke often and fondly about the “maidelehs” (girls).
They also posed in front of Mosquito, Stearman, Mister, Mirage and Phantom aircraft.
Director furious
Museum director, Brig. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Turner, was furious upon hearing about the photos.
“This is a very serious incident,” he told a meeting of senior museum officials. “I have been taking care of this museum for 28 years, this is the home of the proud history of the Israel Air Force.
“This idiotic behavior is a disgrace to the honor of the museum,” he said.
The accused soldiers told Turner it is a tradition amongst female soldiers who serve at the base to pose topless.
But Turner rejected the claim, saying, “there is no such tradition.”
