Soldiers Report Severe Neglect and Rodent Infestation at IDF Base

Female soldiers stationed at the command base of the Givati Brigade in Shdema, located in the Negev desert, are reporting dire sanitary conditions, including widespread rodent and bird infestations. They describe a base overrun with mice, pigeon droppings, and garbage, leading to a constant state of unsanitary living. One soldier recounted that the mice have been a problem for about eight months, chewing through documents, electrical cables, and food, and have recently begun entering sleeping quarters, damaging uniforms and mattresses. The soldiers feel abandoned and unsupervised, stating that their complaints to superiors have gone unaddressed, forcing them to purchase their own traps with personal funds.

The soldiers claim that despite repeated reports to relevant authorities, no effective solutions have been implemented. They expressed frustration over having to spend their own money on pest control and live in conditions they deem unfit for service members. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the dining hall and food trucks are often closed on weekends, requiring soldiers to bring food from home or purchase it themselves.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit acknowledged the sanitation issues, stating they are being addressed. They reported that pest control operations are conducted bi-weekly, with two additional operations carried out in the past week under the supervision of the brigade's pest control officer. The IDF also noted that regular cleaning rounds are performed by soldiers and that ongoing renovation work at the base may contribute to temporary dirt accumulation. Regarding food supply discrepancies, the IDF stated the issue has been resolved with the brigade's dining hall and other facilities at the Shdema base.