The IDF continues to be plagued by a major vandalism and theft problem at one of its most southern bases – and no solution is in sight, the Regavim organization said Thursday. IDF officials, the group said, have refused to deal with the issue, and instead refer questions and inquiries on the matter to other parties.
According to Regavim, the problem has been going on for years. Bedouin living in the area, which is near the border with Sinai, send in kids riding dune buggies to steal anything they can get their hands on – food, vehicles, and even weapons. Footage broadcast on Channel Two this week highlighted the problem, with kids seen stealing a jeep in broad daylight. When soldiers gave chase, several of the Bedouin blocked the road, and even started throwing stones at soldiers.
The IDF has said that it was “dealing” with the problem, but Regavim says this is not the case.
“The entire IDF brass knows what is going on and thanks to the TV broadcast they have seen it with their own eyes,” said Amichai Yogev, and IDF reserve colonel and southern director for Regavim. “Reserve soldiers who come here are heartbroken at what they see – fearful that his equipment and property will be stolen, with no chance of recovery, and ashamed that the great IDF has been waylaid by a group of children on dirt bikes.”
Regavim has written to top IDF officials about the issue, and the organization said that it was still waiting for a “serious answer” on how the matter would be dealt with.
Leave a Reply