Israel has initiated a criminal investigation to uncover the source of leaked footage from the Sde Teiman detention center, which allegedly depicts the rape of a Palestinian detainee. The decision, announced by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Wednesday, will also scrutinize individuals responsible for distributing the video, which was broadcast by Israeli Channel 12 in August 2023. The footage reportedly shows soldiers forming a human barrier around the detainee during the assault. Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed the probe, describing it as a response to a ‘serious affair that created a blood libel’ against Israeli soldiers. Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir had previously called for an investigation, with Smotrich accusing the leak of causing ‘tremendous damage to Israel’ globally. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with reports of systemic abuse, including torture, rape, and murder, at Sde Teiman and other detention facilities. Despite a conditional order from Israel’s High Court in July 2023 to close the center, it remains operational, with former detainees recounting harrowing experiences of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Investigations by Middle East Eye, CNN, and the New York Times have corroborated these allegations, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.
Israel launches probe into leak of video showing troops raping Palestinian prisoner
