Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported on Thursday that it received a message from a reserve soldier saying he witnessed the theft of gold bars by a fellow soldier from southern Lebanon. This came after the outlet published several news reports about soldiers looting homes and businesses in the region.
According to the daily, the military has launched an investigation into the looting incidents, though it was unaware of this particular event.
The looting of property is not a new phenomenon within the Israeli military.
Multiple reports in Israeli media have documented widespread theft during Israel’s Gaza genocide.
Israeli soldiers also revealed that their colleagues had looted large quantities of civilian belongings from houses and stores in southern Lebanon with the knowledge of their military commanders, Haaretz reported.
The Israeli army announced it has taken full control of 55 villages in southern Lebanon within what it calls the “yellow line”, barring displaced residents from returning and targeting anyone who approaches the area.
“The accounts describe the theft of motorcycles, televisions, paintings, sofas and rugs on a wide scale, which has become routine. Both senior and junior commanders on the ground are said to be aware of the phenomenon but are not taking disciplinary action to curb it,” the daily said.