DAY 297 OF THE WAR: Right-Wing Knesset Members Lead Riot, Israel Expected to Strike Hezbollah, Hostage Negotiation Stalled

Tel Aviv Diary, July 29, 2024

Today was a strange day in Israel. Last night, when we went to bed, we were concerned we might be woken up in the middle of the night by air raid sirens. The security cabinet authorized Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant to select potential targets in retaliation for the attack on Majdal Shams. However, the specific targets were not disclosed due to concerns that Ben-Gvir might leak the information. This highlights our disturbing current situation where the Minister for National Security cannot be trusted with state secrets—possibly due to his past conviction for terrorism.

Amidst the ongoing tension and complexity, today's headlines were unexpectedly hijacked by news of a riot at an Army base instigated by right-wing MKs. Military police had gone to Sde Teiman military base to investigate accusations of torture and possible rape of a Hamas terrorist by reserve soldiers. The soldiers in question were detained for questioning and removed from the base.

Subsequently, MKs led a group of demonstrators who forcibly entered the base, protesting against the IDF's decision to investigate the soldiers. It should be noted that the Sde Teiman military base serves as a temporary detention facility for prisoners before they are transferred to the already overcrowded prison system. The act of MKs, including a cabinet member accompanied by his security detail, forcibly entering a military base due to their dissatisfaction with the military police’s actions crosses a critical red line. This breach of conduct was significant enough to prompt Prime Minister Netanyahu to denounce the intrusion and call for a lowering of tensions.

Regarding this profoundly troubling and unprecedented incident, IDF Chief of Staff Levi stated:

The breach of the Sde Teiman base is extremely serious and illegal. Breaking into a military base and disturbing the peace there is a grave behavior that is unacceptable under any circumstances. We are at war, and such actions endanger the security of the state.

I strongly condemn this incident, and we are working to restore order at the base.

I fully support the military prosecution and the military police in investigating every incident brought to their attention. This is their duty, regardless of rank or position. These investigations protect our soldiers both domestically and internationally and uphold the values of the IDF. These investigations are conducted with respect for our soldiers, who we command.

President Herzog, who typically keeps his distance from such issues, issued the following statement:

The IDF's and its soldiers' morality has always been our pride, both towards ourselves and the international community and law. This morality has been and continues to be tested against even the cruelest of enemies, including the accursed terrorists of the Nukhba, whose hatred is certainly understood and justified. We must not forget that our enemies repeatedly try to pursue us, including in the international legal arena – targeting commanders, soldiers, and public officials. Under no circumstances should we give them grounds for actions against the IDF and the State of Israel.

The breach of a military base by civilians, especially when it is done with the encouragement and involvement of public officials, is a serious, dangerous, illegal, and irresponsible act that primarily harms us as a people and as a state. I call on everyone, especially our public officials, to show leadership – to calm down and to calm others.

I am confident that inquiries and investigations will be conducted to get to the root of the truth with all the required sensitivity, and I trust our IDF, its commanders, and soldiers to act accordingly.

We must all support the IDF soldiers and commanders and the security forces who are engaged in a difficult campaign and need to focus on confronting immense challenges. The IDF is fulfilling its role. We are at war, and it is essential to remember this at all times.

Finally, the Attorney General released the following statement:

Just as the IDF must be given full operational space for combat, it is essential to ensure conduct according to the law. I give full backing to the Chief Military Prosecutor and to the law enforcement authorities in the IDF and the Israel Police, who act professionally and fairly to uphold the law. The law enforcement authorities have a duty to investigate suspicions of criminal offenses and to enforce the law based on the facts and the applicable legal standards.

It is very important to understand that if Israel is to avoid culpability in international courts, it must demonstrate that it investigates allegations of potential war crimes. This is essential not only for maintaining law and order, meant to differentiate us from our enemies, but also for preserving our international standing. Today’s clashes rank among the most dangerous incidents that have occurred during the war. Unfortunately, it was not only the far-right MKs but also Likud MKs. Even worse, this evening, Economic Affairs Minister Nir Barkat, who harbors ambitions to succeed Netanyahu, issued a statement criticizing the Chief Military Legal Officer.

Tonight, these same extremist right-wing demonstrators forcibly entered the IDF base in Bet Lid, where the accused soldiers are being interrogated. The police have failed to control the situation. Minister of Defense Gallant issued the following statement:

The breach of IDF bases by civilians is a serious event that severely harms Israeli democracy and plays into the hands of our enemies during wartime.

I have just spoken with the Chief of Staff and emphasized that the IDF has my full support as Defense Minister to take measures and act immediately to prevent unauthorized civilian entry into IDF bases.

I call on Israel’s Police to act immediately against lawbreakers and on all public officials to refrain from irresponsible statements that drag the IDF into the political arena.

The situation became so serious tonight that Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi went to Bet Lid Army Base to attempt to calm the situation. Halevi issued the following statement:

The IDF supports its active-duty and reserve soldiers. I came to Beit Lid because this is where our soldiers are and to ensure that nothing more serious happens. The arrival of rioters and attempts to breach bases are severe, illegal behaviors bordering on anarchy. They harm the IDF, the security of the state, and the war effort.

While not directly related but indicative of a pattern, critics of Israel have been sharing images of Israeli troops destroying a water reservoir in Rafah, raising