Israeli soldiers admit to routine looting in southern Lebanon amid command oversight failures

Israeli soldiers serving in southern Lebanon have admitted to large-scale looting of civilian homes and businesses, describing the theft of private property as a “widespread” and “routine” practice. According to a report by the Haaretz newspaper, based on testimonies from both soldiers and commanders, items being taken include televisions, motorcycles, carpets, furniture, and various personal belongings.

The report indicates that commanders, including high-ranking officers overseeing military operations in Lebanon, are aware of the looting. Despite this knowledge, officials have reportedly failed to take preventive measures to halt the activity. Soldiers were observed loading seized items into military vehicles or setting them aside without any attempt at concealment.

One soldier described the scale of the looting as “insane,” stating: “Televisions, cigarettes, tools—whatever is there. Anyone who takes something puts it in a vehicle immediately or leaves it to the side. This isn’t happening deep inside the base, but it isn’t being hidden either. Everyone sees and understands what is being done.”

Military authorities acknowledge insufficient oversight

In official statements, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that disciplinary and punitive measures are in place, asserting that soldiers undergo Military Police inspections at the border when returning to Israel. However, Haaretz reported that several Military Police checkpoints established to prevent looting in southern Lebanon have been dismantled, while those remaining active conduct no inspections.

Sources describing the disciplinary environment within units stated that some commanders completely ignore the situation, while others issue verbal warnings against looting without initiating any criminal proceedings. One soldier summarized the situation in his unit: “No one says anything or reacts. Battalion and brigade commanders are aware of everything.”

Another soldier emphasized that a culture of impunity encourages the behavior. “If one person were dismissed, imprisoned, or if Military Police were stationed at the border, this would stop instantly,” he said. “But when no punishment is given, the message is very clear.”

Long deployments for reservists weaken discipline

Some soldiers noted that commanders are reluctant to punish reservists who have been serving for extended periods since the start of operations in Gaza. One testimony cited in the report stated: “People here have served more than 500 days in reserve units. Commanders cannot put these reservists in prison. They realize discipline has weakened but lack the power to fix the situation.”

Soldiers also noted that looting activities are fueled by the systematic destruction of homes and villages in southern Lebanon. Explaining the logic used by personnel, one soldier remarked: “What difference does it make if I take it? This place is going to be blown up soon anyway.”

Gaza destruction models transferred to Lebanese theater

The Israeli military is reportedly using significant quantities of explosives to level villages in southern Lebanon. A report by The Guardian on April 12 also noted that the IDF has been booby-trapping and destroying houses with the aim of completely displacing border villages.

These demolition activities have reportedly intensified following instructions from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to destroy “all houses” in border villages. The report states Katz issued this order with the intent that the destruction be carried out “in accordance with the model implemented in Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza.” Data shared indicates that the Israeli military has destroyed 90% of residential buildings in Rafah during the offensive that began in October 2023.

The expansion of looting in Lebanon is also attributed to the fact that occupying units are often not engaged in continuous, high-intensity combat. According to the Haaretz analysis, soldiers spend long periods in empty villages and towns previously abandoned by residents, allowing them to move freely through civilian areas. The newspaper added that images appearing on social media showing soldiers destroying property represent only “the tip of the iceberg.”

Despite a ceasefire reached between Hezbollah and Israel last week, Israeli occupation forces reportedly continue to hold a “buffer zone” reaching up to 10 kilometers deep into Lebanese territory. The report states that through this strategy, Israel aims to annex Lebanese land, seize control of water resources, expand the region by building new settlements, and take possession of Lebanon’s offshore natural gas deposits.

According to data from Lebanese health authorities, Israeli attacks have displaced more than one million people and killed over 2,000. During the conflict, 16 Israeli soldiers were killed, while two civilians died, including one killed by Israeli army friendly fire.

As of 2024, six new criminal investigations have reportedly been launched against Israeli soldiers on charges of looting or property destruction, though none of these investigations have yet proceeded to the trial stage.