229. Abuse and rape are heroic acts in Israel!!

Israel’s top military lawyer has dropped all charges against five soldiers accused of violently abusing and raping a Palestinian detainee from Gaza. 

By dropping the charges, the Israeli military has clearly signaled that individuals who commit torture against Palestinians are unlikely to face consequences.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced backing for dropping the charges, criticizing the prolonged process and describing the men as 'heroic warriors.”

Should he be asked whether abuse and rape are considered heroic acts in Israel? 

Not to forget, shortly after the initial arrests of Israeli soldiers connected to the attack, a mob consisting of a minister and lawmakers stormed the base, demanding their release.

The detainee was never formally charged or tried while in Israeli custody.

However, shortly after that, an Israeli media outlet broadcast a video of the attack, which had little impact inside Israel but caused a lot of controversy worldwide.

The decision is troubling as it weakens Israel's rule of law and accountability for Palestinian abuses and killings. This presents a serious challenge, especially considering a UN commission's characterization of it as a genocidal war.

The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel stated: “Israel’s military attorney general has effectively authorized soldiers to commit rape, provided the victim is Palestinian. This decision continues a pattern of actions that downplay abuse against detainees, which has worsened in both frequency and severity since October 7, 2023.”

Only one Israeli soldier has been convicted of assaulting Palestinians in detention over more than two years of conflict, despite extensive documentation of torture and abuse within Israel’s prison system, including sexualized torture. Dozens of Palestinians have died while in captivity.