Inquiry into the Conduct of IDF Soldiers Toward Journalists While Securing the Area in Area A of Judea and Samaria

The findings of the inquiry were presented to the Chief of the General Staff yesterday (Sunday), following a review of the incident conducted by the Commander of the Central Command. The inquiry included the participation of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Head of the Personnel Directorate, the Military Advocate General, and the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division.

The findings indicate that the soldiers involved in the documented incident were operating to prevent friction in the area. The troops were operating in an area where an operational activity was underway to remove an illegal outpost that had been established overnight between Wednesday and Thursday in Area A.

At the same time, a team of journalists arrived at the scene together with several Palestinians. The soldiers operating in the area assembled the reporting team from the group of Palestinians and conducted security checks on both groups. After the security screening, the team was released, except for one team member, who was also released after receiving the requisite approval.

During the interaction with the reporters, one of the soldiers made inappropriate remarks that do not align with IDF values or with the mission of IDF soldiers in the area.

The allegation regarding violence used by one of the soldiers as part of this incident will be further examined by the relevant authorities, and further action will be determined in accordance with the findings. Regarding the report concerning an elderly Palestinian who was allegedly assaulted prior to this incident, an initial review of the available information found no indication that he had been harmed by IDF soldiers. 

The inquiry found several failures in the conduct of the soldiers toward the reporters. It also identified deficiencies in standards of conduct, deviations from IDF orders, and inappropriate communication with members of the press in violation of established procedures.

The IDF respects and enables freedom of the press in the area and regrets the incident. It should be emphasized that during and after the event, direct contact was maintained with the reporters, including a personal apology.

The Chief of the General Staff accepted the findings of the inquiry and the recommendations of the Commander of the Central Command and other senior commanders, noting that this was a professional inquiry.

The Chief of the General Staff determined that the incident entailed a serious ethical and professional failure, including language and expressions that are unacceptable for IDF soldiers and those in uniform. He further emphasized that the standards of conduct and discipline demonstrated in the incident do not align with IDF values and with the standards expected of its soldiers.

In accordance with the findings of the inquiry, the Chief of the General Staff adopted the Commander of the Central Command’s recommendations, including the immediate suspension of the battalion’s operational deployment in the area. The battalion will remain in reserve service and undergo an educational process aimed at reinforcing its professional and normative foundations. The battalion will resume operations upon completion of the process, subject to the decision of the Commander of the Central Command.

The Chief of the General Staff expressed confidence in the battalion commander’s ability to lead the process of strengthening these foundations.
The Chief of the General Staff emphasized that IDF soldiers are required to maintain composure, a sense of institutional responsibility, and respect for the uniform they wear and the military they represent. Calls for revenge by IDF soldiers are of the utmost gravity, particularly when made by a soldier carrying a weapon entrusted to him solely for the execution of his mission.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir:
“This is a grave ethical incident that is wholly inconsistent with IDF norms and values. We all swore the soldier’s oath upon enlistment - weapons are to be used solely for the purpose of carrying out the mission, and never for revenge. We will not accept such incidents within the ranks of the IDF. Especially in the midst of this just and historic war, it is our duty to preserve the IDF’s values and its sense of intuitional responsibility.

The Netzah Yehuda Battalion, including the reserve battalion composed of its veterans, is important, and we have invested in strengthening it. We value the reservists who serve with dedication, but there is no place in the IDF for unethical conduct. The responsibility for safeguarding our values rests first and foremost with the commanders, and we will not compromise on this.”