Summary of the Inquiry on the Vandalism During the Operation in Jinba

Yesterday (Sunday) The Commanding Officer of the Central Command, MG Avi Bluth, summarized the inquiry on the vandalism during the operational activity in Jinba.

On the night between Friday and Saturday (March 28-29), IDF troops carried out an operation to locate weapons in the village of Jinba, in the South Hebron area.

During the operation in the village, the troops conducted searches for weapons. Some of these searches took place in sensitive locations, including schools and a clinic, without the required authorization. During the operation, the troops vandalized and damaged equipment on-site, in violation of orders and procedures, and in a manner inconsistent with both the expectations of IDF soldiers during operational activity and with the values of the IDF. Additionally, the troops failed to report the irregular activity, which was only discovered through footage circulated on social media.

The inquiry further reveals that the battalion's preparation and planning procedure for the mission was unprofessional and that the brigade failed to fulfill its responsibility in guiding the battalion and monitoring its activities upon deployment.

The Commanding Officer of the Central Command concluded that this was a serious incident, that contradicts the professional and ethical standards expected of IDF soldiers in operational activities in general and in Judea and Samaria in particular. He also determined that the inquiry conducted was thorough and critical, and ordered that disciplinary action be taken against those involved.

The Commanding Officer of the Brigade received a formal command reprimand.
The Battalion Commander received a command rebuke.
The Company Commander received a command rebuke.
The Platoon Commander was sentenced to seven days of military prison and was removed from his position, while another Platoon Commander was sentenced to confinement.
Two soldiers who participated in the vandalism were sentenced to seven days of military prison.

The Commanding Officer of the Central Command instructed to continue operating resolutely to maintain security in the area. He also emphasized that the IDF is responsible for ensuring that law and order are upheld in the region and must enforce zero tolerance toward acts of violence and vandalism.