Dozens of Female Soldiers Fall Ill at IDF Training Base After Holiday Meal

Dozens of female soldiers at the IDF's Nitzanim training base reported vomiting and diarrhea following a Rosh Hashanah holiday dinner, according to Ynet. Parents claim several dozen soldiers became ill, suspecting a meat dish served at the meal. The IDF, however, confirmed only nine cases and denied any link between the food and the soldiers' illness.

Soldiers were at the base for a week, nearing the end of their initial training course. One father told Ynet that his daughter reported at least 50 soldiers feeling unwell, experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. He stated that the meat dish had an unpleasant odor, leading some soldiers to avoid it and remain healthy. He also alleged that ill soldiers did not receive adequate medical attention and were forced to continue guard duty, with one soldier collapsing on duty and sustaining an arm injury.

The IDF stated that nine out of 229 soldiers at the base showed symptoms. They asserted that food inspections found the meals to be suitable and ruled out food poisoning. Nevertheless, the base increased cleaning protocols and distributed hygiene guidelines. The base commander informed parents that all soldiers in the company were interviewed after initial complaints, and those feeling unwell were medically assessed and sent to rest.

The IDF spokesperson confirmed that a few soldiers reported gastrointestinal symptoms. An active survey identified approximately nine affected soldiers, who received medical care and were allowed to rest. The military stated that claims of spoiled food were investigated and "categorically refuted," adding that the dining hall operated normally and there were no food shortages. The IDF pledged to thoroughly investigate further complaints.