Most investigations closed, only two indictments: how the IDF handled the phenomenon of looting
Despite Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir's statements regarding the severity of looting within the IDF, the army did not proactively publish data. Following an inquiry by the 'Movement for Freedom of Information', it was revealed that 27 Military Police investigations were opened during the war, with only two resulting in indictments. The IDF maintains that every suspicion is thoroughly investigated.
At the end of April, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir addressed the phenomenon of looting in the IDF. 'The phenomenon of looting, if it exists, is despicable and could tarnish the entire IDF. If such incidents occurred, we will investigate them. We will not let this pass,' he declared at a conference for senior command. He instructed battalion commanders to submit detailed reports on the situation, and in cases where evidence of looting is found, these are to be transferred to the Military Police for criminal handling.
However, data on these investigations was not initially published. Following an inquiry by 'Yedioth Ahronoth' and ynet, the 'Movement for Freedom of Information' filed a request for data on Military Police investigations regarding looting in Lebanon and Gaza. According to the IDF's response, from 2023 through the first half of 2026, 25 investigations were opened regarding looting in the Gaza Strip: 3 in 2023, 19 in 2024, 2 in 2025, and one in the first half of 2026. Out of these, only two indictments were filed—both in 2025—which ended in plea bargains: one conviction for looting and one for the lesser offense of theft.
Regarding the northern sector, where ground activity began in late 2024, only two investigation files were opened for looting in Lebanese territory, with no indictments filed. In total, out of 27 investigations across both sectors, only two cases (about 7%) reached an indictment. This figure suggests potential difficulties in evidence collection or a low priority given to prosecuting these cases.
'The gap now revealed between offenses in the field and the lack of prosecution could only be discovered through the freedom of information procedure,' said Adv. Idi Negev, CEO of the 'Movement for Freedom of Information'. 'It is infuriating that the IDF fights against the publication of information rather than against criminal offenses.'
In an article published in May 2026, fighters testified about witnessing looting: 'We met many reserve forces at the border; they simply took everything. Weapons, souvenirs, jewelry, blankets, pictures. In Gaza, someone got on a truck with a sofa. 7 months ago, in assembly areas, every company set up its own area full of equipment from the Strip, including living rooms,' recounted a Sergeant Major (res.).
Last month, a reserve soldier from Netivot was arrested for possessing a Kalashnikov, a sniper rifle, and ammunition at home. While the initial arrest request included suspicions of looting, the police later announced the charges were for illegal weapons possession, with the looting clause omitted.
The IDF Spokesperson stated: 'The IDF views any harm to civilian property with great severity and prohibits acts of looting. Any suspicion is examined in depth and handled by authorized bodies in accordance with the law. When sufficient evidence is found, disciplinary and criminal steps are taken, including prosecution.'
