Widespread Closure of Looting Cases
The Haaretz newspaper reported that the Israel Defense Forces have terminated 25 out of 27 military police investigations concerning alleged looting committed by soldiers during operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The disclosure follows a request for information submitted by the Information Freedom Movement, which sought data on military police probes related to theft incidents in both theaters.
According to the military’s response, the Military Police opened 25 investigations specifically in the Gaza Strip between 2023 and mid-2026. The timeline of these cases shows three inquiries launched in 2023, nineteen in 2024, two in 2025, and one by the middle of 2026. Despite the high volume of initial probes, the outcome has been minimal. Only two indictments were filed, both occurring in 2025. These cases concluded with plea bargains: in one instance, the accused was convicted of looting, while in the other, the charge was reduced to theft.
Minimal Action in Northern Front
In contrast, the situation on the northern front against Lebanon yielded even fewer results. Although large-scale ground operations did not begin until late 2024, only two investigations were opened for suspected looting in Lebanese territory—one in 2024 and another in 2025. No indictments were issued in either case.
This data reveals a significant disparity between the number of investigations initiated and actual legal consequences. Out of 27 total investigations across both fronts, only two resulted in formal charges, representing approximately seven percent of all cases. Critics argue this low conviction rate undermines efforts to hold personnel accountable for systematic violations.
Official Stance vs. Reality
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir addressed the issue of looting in late April, describing it as shameful if found and stating that such incidents could tarnish the army’s reputation. He ordered brigade commanders to submit detailed reports on their units’ status regarding looting within two weeks, promising that any evidence of crimes would be referred to the Military Police for criminal investigation. However, no public data had been released regarding the outcomes of these probes until now.
Legal experts classify the seizure of Palestinian property by Israeli soldiers as a war crime under the category of pillage and confiscation of private assets. The phenomenon has been documented extensively and has intensified recently, affecting both Gaza and the West Bank. The closure of most investigations without trial raises concerns about impunity within the ranks despite official condemnations of the practice.
