An IDF officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel was arrested on Tuesday in a serious incident on suspicion of committing sexual offenses against, and violating the privacy of, female soldiers in his unit.
His arrest came after it was revealed that for a long time he had secretly photographed female soldiers in the unit's women's residences, apparently using photographic equipment that was planted there. Electronic equipment and evidence were found in the officer's vehicle linking him to the serious criminal act.
The officer is also suspected of fraudulently transferring intimate photos of female soldiers who served under his command to his cell phone.
Yesterday, his detention was extended yesterday for a week, because of the continuing investigation.
Since the investigation is in progress, publication restrictions apply to it. In accordance with the decision of the military court, the officer's name and identifying details, including the unit in which the suspected acts were committed, are currently prohibited from publication. These details will probably be revealed at a later date.
The investigation itself began following a complaint by one of the female soldiers in the unit, who suspected that her fellow soldiers in the women's residences were being photographed illegally. At this stage, there is no suspicion or evidence that the photos were widely distributed by the senior officer, but since he is a high-ranking officer who has a significant role in the unit where the offenses he is suspected of took place, this is a very serious affair.
At this stage, it is believed that he acted alone and there are no other suspects in the affair. The IDF confirmed the details and serious suspicions attributed to the officer, and the IDF spokesman said that no further details could be provided at this stage due to the ongoing investigation.