Story perspectives

IDF Reservists Report Sexual Harassment Amid Combat Duties

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

After the October 7, 2023 attacks, female IDF reservists reported severe sexual harassment while guarding Nukhba terrorists at the Sde Teiman base.
They described degrading treatment, including indecent exposure and harassment.
One reservist expressed a desire to serve in combat rather than endure such conditions.
The women were denied access to mental health support and were ignored by superiors when raising concerns.
Israel’s State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman published a 2024 report criticizing the IDF for these orders, which contradict a 2022 report stating that 38% of female guards have faced sexual assault by prisoners.

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Story summary

After the October 7, 2023 attacks, female IDF reservists reported severe sexual harassment while guarding Nukhba terrorists at the Sde Teiman base.
They described degrading treatment, including indecent exposure and harassment.
One reservist expressed a desire to serve in combat rather than endure such conditions.
The women were denied access to mental health support and were ignored by superiors when raising concerns.
Israel’s State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman published a 2024 report criticizing the IDF for these orders, which contradict a 2022 report stating that 38% of female guards have faced sexual assault by prisoners.