Abuse of power & retaliationOversight & ethics enforcementPhysical & psychological abuse

Haaretz: IDF opened 57 criminal investigations into deaths of detainees in its custody; none has produced an indictment

Confidence: Alleged · 3 sourcesIsrael · Oct 12, 2026

Subject of this story

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Military Advocate General's Corps

Also named

Advocate

Hatzlacha

What happened

According to data obtained by the Israeli group Hatzlacha through freedom-of-information requests and reported by Haaretz on July 17, 2026, the Israeli military opened 57 criminal investigations into the deaths of Gaza residents and one Lebanese detainee held in its custody during the war, and none led to an indictment. Seven of the cases involved prisoners who were shot, and most deaths occurred in facilities with cameras and potential witnesses, yet the army reportedly could not identify suspects in most of the cases. Of 19 further investigations into alleged beatings or unlawful use of force, two indictments were filed, one of which was later dropped after the alleged victim was returned to Gaza. The IDF said it abides by international law and that several investigations were opened into suspected violations.

Sources (3)

HaaretzIn most investigations, the army doesn't know the potential suspects or when the deaths occurred

Il Sole 24 Ore57 criminal investigations opened into deaths of Gaza residents and one Lebanese detainee in military custody; none led to an indictment (citing Haaretz and Hatzlacha FOI data)

RTThe IDF confirmed that several investigations were opened into suspected violations and that it operates in accordance with international law (citing Haaretz)

Response

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

Military Advocate General's Corps

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

What happened next (0)

No outcome recorded yet.

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