Israeli soldiers looted gold bars in southern Lebanon, Haaretz reports

A new scandal has emerged involving Israeli soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, with reports of widespread looting including the theft of gold bars, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. After publishing previous reports on soldiers looting homes and businesses, Haaretz received a message from a reserve soldier who said he witnessed a fellow soldier stealing gold bars. While the witness claimed the Israeli military was unaware of that specific incident, the army has since launched an investigation into looting incidents. Haaretz noted that looting is not new within the Israeli military; similar reports emerged during the war in Gaza.

Commanders aware, no disciplinary action

Israeli soldiers revealed that their colleagues looted large quantities of civilian belongings from houses and stores in southern Lebanon with the knowledge of their military commanders, Haaretz reported. “The accounts describe the theft of motorcycles, televisions, paintings, sofas, and rugs on a wide scale, which has become routine. Both senior and junior commanders on the ground are said to be aware of the phenomenon but are not taking disciplinary action to curb it,” the daily said. The phenomenon is reportedly more widespread among reserve soldiers.

Military investigation and ceasefire context

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a military police investigation into the looting and instructed the reinforcement of military police forces at all entry and exit points along the border, with thorough inspections of every vehicle entering and leaving the combat zone. The Israeli army has killed more than 2,475 people, injured nearly 7,700, and displaced over 1.6 million in Lebanon since March 2. A three-week ceasefire extension was announced Thursday following US-brokered talks, but Israeli forces have continued daily violations, including airstrikes and artillery shelling across southern Lebanon.