General
Unrest at Army Bases Highlights a Long Battle for Israel’s Soul
After Israeli soldiers were detained on suspicion of abusing a Palestinian, riots broke out that symbolize a wider struggle over Israel’s future that has divided the country.
Recent unrest at two Israeli military bases has highlighted a growing divide among Israelis about the conduct of their soldiers, and revived a deeper and older battle over the nature of the Israeli state and who should shape its future.
The trouble began on Monday after 10 soldiers were detained on suspicion of raping a Palestinian man held at Sde Teiman, a military jail in southern Israel, according to court records. Two of the soldiers were later released.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the base in solidarity with the detained soldiers, including at least three far-right lawmakers from the ruling coalition. Hundreds later massed outside Beit Lid, a second base in which the 10 men had been brought for interrogation. Dozens surged inside both bases, brushing aside the guards at the gates.
The incidents were widely broadcast across Israel, spreading an image of disunity at a time when the country is fighting enemies on multiple fronts.
Amid fears of further unrest and accusations of police complicity, the military sent two battalions of reinforcements on Tuesday to protect the second base. The country’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, called for an investigation into whether the police force had been ordered to stand aside by Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister who oversees the police; Mr. Ben-Gvir denied the claim.
Israeli protesters broke into the Sde Teiman military base in support of the detained reservists.
