Israeli general reportedly honored subordinate amid prohibited relationship investigation

Brigadier General Israel Shomer, who was removed from his post as head of the IDF Operations Directorate after an improper relationship with a subordinate, had previously awarded that same soldier a certificate of excellence at a directorate ceremony, according to a report Monday on Kan News. The ceremony took place while the two were already in a romantic relationship, allegedly involving a misuse of authority and in violation of IDF rules, which strictly ban romantic relationships between commanders and subordinates.

By that point, the army had already begun examining the relationship. People close to Shomer said his decision to give the soldier the award was made before the two became a couple. The IDF Spokesperson said the investigation into the officer was recently completed and its findings were handed to the military prosecution for review.

Shomer resigned earlier this month after being suspended and questioned by the Military Police Investigations Unit on suspicion of morality-related offenses, abusing his position, and violating army orders. According to the IDF, earlier on Monday the head of the Operations Directorate accepted Shomer’s request to end his role and leave the army for “personal reasons.” Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir approved the request immediately, and Shomer will leave service at once.

Until a replacement is appointed, the acting head of the post will be the head of planning in the Operations Directorate, Col. A.