IDF Investigates Few Looting Cases, Indicts Only Two Soldiers

Newly released data reveals that the Israeli military police (MP) opened 27 investigations into alleged looting incidents in Gaza and Lebanon between 2023 and mid-2026. However, only two indictments were filed, both in 2025, resulting in plea bargains. In one case, the soldier was convicted of looting, while in the other, the charge was reduced to simple theft. No indictments were filed for the two looting investigations opened in Lebanon.

The figures, obtained by the Movement for Freedom of Information following requests by "Yedioth Ahronoth" and Ynet, show a significant gap between the number of investigations and actual prosecutions, with only about 7% of cases leading to indictments. This suggests potential difficulties in gathering evidence or a low priority given to prosecuting such offenses.

In Gaza, 25 investigations were opened: 3 in 2023, 19 in 2024, 2 in 2025, and 1 in the first half of 2026. In Lebanon, two investigations were opened, one in 2024 and one in 2025, with no indictments filed.

There has been a notable decline in the number of investigations since a peak of 19 in 2024. The Movement for Freedom of Information criticized the IDF's initial resistance to releasing the data, urging greater transparency. Previous reports in May 2026 cited soldiers' testimonies of widespread looting, including weapons, souvenirs, and personal items, with commanders allegedly not intervening.

In a recent incident, a reservist soldier was arrested for possessing military weapons at home. While initially suspected of looting and illegal weapons possession, the charges were later changed to trafficking and holding illegal arms, with the looting charge dropped.