Controversial Detentions Spark Mass Protests at Military Bases, Ferment in Wider Society as Right-Wing is Lambasted for What Left-Wing Does Routinely
Yesterday unrest erupted in Israel following the arrest of nine soldiers at the Sde Teiman military detention center. The soldiers were suspected of raping a Palestinian detainee, who sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized. This led to a raid by military police at the base, which sparked protests and riots by far-right supporters, including ultranationalist elected officials and ministers.
The detainee, who suffered from serious injuries, including from a mobile device inserted rectally, was transferred to a hospital in Beersheba. Reports indicate that he was unable to walk due to the extent of his injuries. Following the arrests, protests broke out, with demonstrators, including members of the Knesset and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, storming the Sde Teiman facility in solidarity with the detained soldiers. The situation quickly escalated, leading to further protests at the Beit Lid base, where the suspects were taken for questioning.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the military police’s actions, calling the arrests “shameful” and describing the detained soldiers as “the best heroes.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the storming of the bases and called for an “immediate calming of spirits.”
Citing the abuse of a mobile phone inserted where the sun doesn’t shine and then activated with a call on vibrate, there have been calls to prevent incoming calls to detainees, sparking objections.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi expressed concern over the riots, describing them as “bordering on anarchy” and harmful to the military. The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, is set to hold an emergency discussion on the issue, prompted by MKs who wish to defend the soldiers​.
Just curious, but why would a “detainee”, by which I presume “POW” is meant, or at least a “person of interest”, as police would label a person believed to have pertinent information, even have a phone, of any sort, in his or her possession??? A land line brought in for incoming, or outgoing, calls, as needed, should suffice, with no capacity to call directly to anyone not approved, such as an attorney, for outgoing calls. A ” detainee” is not being detained to be pampered, or made comfortable. That said, IF, in fact, abuse did occur, yes, that must be dealt with appropriately, but rioting, by anyone, does not fall into that category! A proper investigation should be conducted according to the laws, and then appropriate disposition may be determined.