In an unprecedented move underscoring its unwavering commitment to military ethics and the rule of law, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has dismantled an entire platoon of reserve soldiers and dismissed multiple commanding officers following an internal investigation into acts of vandalism during a counter-terrorism raid last week.
The operation, conducted in the volatile Deheisha refugee camp near Bethlehem, targeted escalating terror activity emanating from the area. However, a small group of reservists strayed from their mission, spray-painting anti-terror graffiti on buildings and damaging Palestinian property—actions the IDF declared “a serious deviation from operational procedures and IDF values.”
Zero Tolerance for Breaches of Conduct
Rather than sweeping the misconduct under the rug—as many of Israel’s critics falsely claim happens frequently—the IDF leadership acted decisively and transparently. Within days, the entire platoon was disbanded and six officers and soldiers were dismissed or formally reprimanded, including:
- A company commander on-site, who was relieved of duty
- Another company commander, who received an official reprimand
- Two additional commanders and several rank-and-file soldiers, all of whom were dismissed
- The battalion commander, whose official record now bears a mark of censure
These actions came after IDF Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth ordered a full investigation into what he called a “grave violation” of the army’s ethical code.
The IDF has dismantled a platoon of reservists and dismissed several officers for vandalizing Palestinian property during a raid in the Deheisha refugee camp near Bethlehem last week.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) April 8, 2025
On April 2, troops had carried out a counter-terror operation in Deheisha. Amid the raid,… pic.twitter.com/Ni0UsgLDi3
“This incident betrays the professionalism, discipline, and values we demand from our soldiers. It is unacceptable, and the consequences reflect that,” Bluth stated.
Accountability From the Top
The incident occurs as the IDF and Israeli police face increasing provocations—not only from Palestinian terror cells, but also fringe elements within Israeli society. Just days before the raid, Israeli settlers clashed with police near the outpost of Givat Habaladim, throwing stones and even torching a police vehicle during a riot.
Bluth, in a candid address to Israeli forces on Friday, condemned what he called “a red line” being crossed. “This is not only unlawful—it’s a staggering display of ingratitude toward the very forces ensuring your security,” he said, adding that disciplinary measures will be applied with the “necessary severity.”
The chief of the IDF Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, slams acts of vandalism by reservist soldiers in a Palestinian village and the arson of a police cruiser by settlers this week.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) April 4, 2025
"We are working well amid the Ramadan which is going by quietly, but we have irregular… pic.twitter.com/ZdjK6iiBrD
International Accusations vs. On-the-Ground Reality
Despite the IDF’s transparent and forceful response, international rights groups and the notoriously biased United Nations continue to accuse Israel of fostering a culture of “impunity.” These accusations ring hollow in light of this week’s developments, which demonstrate exactly the opposite: a military unafraid to police its own ranks—even in the heat of battle.
It is worth noting that the UN’s position on the legal status of Judea and Samaria relies on a deeply flawed and outdated interpretation of international law. Following Jordan’s unprovoked war against Israel in 1967 and its formal renunciation of territorial claims in 1988, the legal framework clearly shifted, validating Israeli sovereignty under international precedent—a point rarely acknowledged by Israel's detractors.
The Commanding Officer of the IDF's Central Command, MG Avi Bluth on Thursday held a briefing with Central Command officers and addressed the series of unusual incidents that occurred over the past week in the command’s area of responsibility.
— Netanel Worthy - נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) April 4, 2025
The Major General visited with…
Fighting Terrorism While Upholding Ethics
While Israel’s counter-terror offensive has largely focused on the terror-infested refugee camps of northern Samaria, recent weeks have seen a spike in militant activity in southern camps like Deheisha. The IDF, maintaining its dual mandate of security and accountability, has responded with increased operations—paired with strict internal oversight.
The April 2 raid, while tactically effective, will be remembered not just for its counter-terror impact, but also for the army’s courageous commitment to moral clarity, even when it involves punishing its own.
Israel continues to prove what few democracies at war ever manage to demonstrate so clearly: a relentless pursuit of justice—even when the violators wear the same uniform.
