Dozens of Female Soldiers Fall Ill at IDF Base in Southern Israel

Around 30 female commanders and recruits at the Gadna base in Sde Boker have recently suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains, according to a report published on Monday by Lidor Sultan in Hayom. Due to the outbreak, one of the ongoing training courses at the base was halted, and the affected soldiers were sent for medical examinations. Medical tests were conducted on-site as a prerequisite for continuing the training, while a minibus transported symptomatic soldiers to a local clinic for treatment.

The Sde Boker base typically hosts security service candidates for a week-long Gadna program introducing them to military service. Currently, some regular Air Force training courses are also held there due to constraints at the southern base. One recruit described the kitchen conditions as poor, stating it was dirty and infested with insects and cockroaches. She added that the illness did not come as a surprise since symptoms appeared over several days. After more than 30 soldiers showed symptoms, sick soldiers were barred from entering the kitchen, but reportedly were not provided with alternative meals and had to rely on ice pops.

Command officials are investigating the possibility that the outbreak originated from the military kitchen, though no official conclusion has been announced. The Air Force training at the base has been suspended, with no date set for resumption. The IDF has not yet responded to the allegations raised in the report.