24.04.2026 10:03
According to a report published in the Israeli press, Israeli soldiers stationed in southern Lebanon have been looting homes and shops. Testimonies indicate that soldiers took motorcycles, televisions, and various other items, while commanders did not intervene. The report states that impunity has led to widespread looting, although the Israeli army claims that discipline and oversight continue.
The Israeli press featured striking claims that Israeli soldiers operating in southern Lebanon looted homes and shops with the knowledge of their commanders.
HAARETZ PUBLISHES TESTIMONIES
According to a report by the Israeli-based Haaretz newspaper, based on testimonies from unnamed soldiers, systematic looting operations were carried out in homes and shops in southern Lebanon.
According to the testimonies, theft of items such as motorcycles, televisions, paintings, sofas, and carpets has become a common and frequent occurrence.
“ANYONE CAN TAKE ANYTHING”
The soldiers stated that commanders at the highest and lowest levels in the field were aware of the thefts but took no steps to prevent them. A soldier described the situation as “madness,” saying, “Anyone can take anything; whether it’s a television, cigarettes, or a tool, they just put it in their car.”
COMMANDERS TURN A BLIND EYE
It was noted that some commanders ignored the situation, while others, even if they condemned it, avoided imposing penalties. According to one soldier, even when looters were caught, no serious investigation was launched.
Another soldier said, “The lax enforcement of laws sends a clear message. Without punishment, looting is encouraged.”
CLAIM OF “COLLAPSED DISCIPLINE”
The report stated that in some units looting was almost nonexistent, while in others it was widespread, depending on the commanders’ attitudes. Soldiers who had been serving in the region for a long time claimed that commanders were aware of the collapse of discipline but covered it up.
DESTRUCTION INCREASES LOOTING
The soldiers noted that the massive destruction caused by the attacks increased looting, saying that the thought “it will be destroyed anyway” had spread these actions.
The report also emphasized that with Hezbollah’s withdrawal to the north, soldiers moved away from intense clashes and stayed in abandoned areas for long periods, which further increased looting.
ARMY RESPONSE: “THERE IS OVERSIGHT”
In response to the allegations, the Israeli army claimed that disciplinary and legal procedures were being applied, and that military police were conducting inspections in border areas. However, the report also included information that some military police checkpoints set up to prevent looting had been removed.
ATTACKS CONTINUE DESPITE CEASEFIRE
Meanwhile, it was stated that the Israeli army continued its occupation and attacks in southern Lebanon despite a 10-day temporary ceasefire. It was noted that operations were ongoing around the so-called “Yellow Line,” and 55 villages remained under occupation.