Central Command imposes exceptionally harsh punishments: a platoon commander was dismissed, soldiers were sent to military prison, and the entire chain of command was punished following property vandalism documented on social networks.

On Sunday, the Head of the Central Command, Major General Avi Blut, concluded the investigation of a serious incident that occurred last weekend in the village of Jinba in southern Hebron Hills, during which IDF soldiers damaged and vandalized property in the area. The incident, which took place on the night between Friday and Saturday (March 28-29), exposed professional and ethical failures in the conduct of the forces.

According to the IDF Spokesperson, IDF forces went on an operational activity aimed at locating weapons in the village. During the activity, the forces conducted searches in several locations, including sensitive buildings such as schools and a clinic, without obtaining the necessary approvals according to procedures.

The investigation revealed that during the activity, soldiers vandalized and damaged equipment that was on site, actions that clearly contradict the orders and procedures binding IDF soldiers. The severity of the incident is intensified by the fact that the forces did not report the irregular activity to the commanding rank, and the incident was only discovered after documentation of it was distributed on social media.

The findings of the investigation also pointed to systemic deficiencies. It was found that the battalion's battle procedure for the mission lacked professionalism, and that the brigade did not fulfill its command responsibility in mentoring the battalion and monitoring its activities after it entered the line.

Major General Blut defined the incident as severe and contrary to the professional and ethical level expected of IDF soldiers, especially in activities in the Judea and Samaria area. He noted that the investigation conducted was penetrating and critical, and directed extensive disciplinary action at various ranks.

Following the incident, disciplinary measures were taken against those involved in the chain of command and in the field: the commander of the Judea Brigade was given a command notice, the battalion commander and the company commander were given a command reprimand, one platoon commander was sentenced to seven days in military prison and dismissed from his position, another platoon commander was sentenced to confinement, and two soldiers who were directly involved in the acts of vandalism were also sentenced to seven days in military prison.

Despite the severe disciplinary treatment, the Central Command commander emphasized the importance of continuing resolute operational activity to maintain security in the area. However, he clarified that the IDF is responsible for maintaining law and order in the area, and that there must be zero tolerance towards phenomena of violence and property vandalism.

This incident joins a series of incidents that have sparked criticism of the conduct of IDF forces in the Judea and Samaria area recently, and reflects the great complexity of operational activity in civilian areas. The IDF's swift and decisive handling of the incident testifies to the importance the army places on preserving its values and on the professional and ethical conduct of its soldiers, even when performing complex operational missions.

The incident in Jinba emphasizes the constant challenge facing the IDF: to conduct effective security activity while strictly adhering to IDF values, international law, and respect for the local population. Maintaining this balance is vital both from an operational and a moral-ethical perspective, and constitutes an integral part of the IDF's operational concept in these areas.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson