IDF observers reportedly forced into heat, several faint

About 15 IDF observation soldiers in a command-post course reportedly suffered heatstroke and severe dehydration after being ordered to remain in field activity during extreme heat at Sde Teyman in the Negev. According to the soldiers’ accounts, commanders insisted they continue training despite the weather conditions.

When they returned to base, many felt unwell, and some showed serious dehydration symptoms. Their parents said this was not the first such incident at the same base. One parent said, “About half a year ago a similar incident happened at the same base, when the girls were still in basic training. The number of soldiers with dehydration symptoms keeps rising, and they were all gathered in a sick room. Some soldiers fainted and others vomited, after they insisted that they carry out a shooting drill in more than 40 degrees heat.”

The parents expressed anger and said that some of the soldiers fainted. The incident, they said, reflects a broader pattern of neglect during training in dangerous heat.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said that during the weekend several soldiers sought medical care after feeling unwell and reporting dehydration symptoms. It said all of them received initial treatment at the base, were sent to rest in their unit, and remain under medical supervision by the unit doctor, with further treatment provided as needed.