Israeli Troops Accused of Large-Scale Looting in Southern Lebanon

Israeli soldiers are alleged to have looted civilian property in southern Lebanon on a large scale, according to testimonies given to the daily Haaretz. Soldiers described the theft of motorcycles, TVs and furniture as having become common practice, with commanders said to be aware of the problem but rarely imposing meaningful disciplinary consequences.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it strictly forbids such conduct and launches investigations when evidence is found.

The chief of the general staff has ordered the military police to open an investigation and strengthen border controls. The military itself has acknowledged that weak enforcement has contributed to the spread of the problem.

Some observers link the phenomenon to the long-term deployment of reservists and a resulting decline in discipline, compounded by the fact that troops frequently operate in abandoned areas with little active fighting.

(mja)