IDF Reviewing Policy on Suspected Sex Offenders in Reserves

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is currently developing a permanent directive to regulate the suspension of reserve duty for soldiers accused of serious offenses, including sexual offenses. This initiative follows reports that a lawyer, Idan Dvir, accused of raping female soldiers, was called for reserve duty in the Military Defender's Office even after his regular service ended. While the IDF maintains a policy of "suspending reserve service" for individuals with reported "violations of IDF values," this policy is not yet codified in a formal order. The IDF stated that the ongoing work to establish this directive is still in progress with no projected completion date.

Lawyer Idan Dvir, specializing in military legal representation, faces charges including rape, attempted rape, and indecent acts with force against 10 female soldiers and recruits. The indictment alleges he exploited his position to offer reduced fees in exchange for sexual favors. Dvir was arrested in March following a months-long undercover investigation. This is not the first time Dvir has faced allegations; in 2008, while serving in the Military Advocate General's Corps, female soldiers complained about his inappropriate sexual behavior. At that time, these complaints were handled through a disciplinary process, as requested by the complainants, and Dvir was dismissed from regular service with the rank of Lieutenant.

Despite his dismissal from regular service due to these allegations, Dvir was later called for reserve duty in the Military Defender's Office, a sensitive role involving legal counsel. The IDF confirmed his reserve service was halted upon learning of the investigation against him but declined to provide details on when or where he served. Former soldiers criticized the decision to allow him into reserve duty, especially in a role with contact with female soldiers, calling it a "failure" and expressing anger at the perceived leniency.

In response to these reports, Member of Knesset Meirav Cohen, then chairwoman of the Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women and Gender Equality, wrote to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials on April 15. She urged the establishment of a "binding and clear arrangement" to prevent individuals who have been convicted, indicted, or are under investigation for serious criminal offenses, particularly sexual offenses, from being called up for reserve duty. Cohen emphasized that such a situation could harm the safety of soldiers, public trust in the military, and victims' willingness to report misconduct.

The IDF's Manpower Directorate responded on July 16, stating that a policy is in place to suspend reserve duty for those involved in criminal incidents. This suspension is temporary, pending a review to ensure the individual's continued service would not harm the IDF or pose a danger to other soldiers. However, the IDF acknowledged that this policy is not yet a formal order and that work is underway to create one. The response was delivered to MK Cohen on October 14, six months after her initial inquiry.