Open Letter Accuses IDF Chief of Failing to Stop West Bank Abuse

An opinionated open letter addressed to Israel’s military chief says it no longer trusts him or the army he commands, and holds him personally responsible for abuses in the occupied territories. The writer says that silence amounts to complicity and argues that under international law the chief of staff is the sovereign authority responsible for the lives of people living under military rule.

The letter alleges that daily crimes are taking place in the territories under army control, including murder, looting, expulsion, harassment, systematic humiliation and legal injustice. It says these are not isolated acts by rogue extremists, but a recurring pattern that happens under the army’s eyes and sometimes with its active participation. According to the writer, the army is failing at prevention, protection and deterrence, and that its repeated failure has effectively become policy and ideology.

The author says soldiers and armed civilians are present at these scenes, standing by, protecting rioters, and sometimes joining them. The letter also accuses ministers and settlers of provoking violence, and says the chief cannot hide behind claims that the army is investigating or learning lessons. "Show me the results," the writer demands, dismissing what it calls hollow excuses.

The letter argues that if the army can carry out sophisticated operations far away, then it should be able to act against illegal outposts and violent settlers in the West Bank. It says the problem is not capability but will. The writer says the chief should either confront political leaders openly if they are tying his hands, or resign, calling resignation an act of leadership. It concludes that there is no trust in him, says soldiers should not serve under his command in the occupied territories, and warns that he will have no defense when he stands accused before "human and Jewish" justice.