Israeli Settler Scandal: Impersonation, Theft, and Espionage in the Gaza War Zone

Watan-A scandal has erupted in the occupying state, involving a settler who impersonated the roles of a ‘police officer and Shin Bet agent’ and stole weapons and ammunition from a war zone in Gaza.

The Israeli prosecution has filed charges against a 35-year-old settler who had falsely claimed to be a ‘police officer’ and stole weapons, ammunition, and military equipment from the war zone in Gaza.

Israeli reports indicate that this individual had been present in the war zone since October 7, taking pictures with a prominent figure who arrived in Gaza to meet with soldiers.

The settler took on the roles of a fighter and Shin Bet agent, making it easy for him to access weapons in the war zone. Since his presence in the war zone on October 7 until his arrest on December 17, he stole significant amounts of weapons, ammunition, military attire, communication devices, and a drone.

Upon his arrest, weapons were found stored in his car, as well as in his home and his mother’s house, according to Hebrew media sources.

The accused’s allegations before the investigative authorities

The charges filed against this individual include crimes of stealing weapons and ammunition, obtaining something by deception under aggravated circumstances, and theft under special conditions.

The indictment states that the aggravated circumstances are reflected in the fact that ‘during the state of emergency in Israel, the accused presented himself as a fighter and held positions in security agencies and special units, with the intention of stealing a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and equipment, thereby depleting them from the inventory of the Israeli army and police.’

During the interrogation, the accused affirmed that he had never served in the occupying army and claimed that he received the weapons from another person, a claim that was denied.

The accused alleged that he found hand grenades and attempted to return them to the Zikim military base, but they refused to accept them. He also claimed to have obtained some equipment during battles, with the purpose of what he said was self-protection.

As part of the investigation into the case, four other suspects were interrogated, including a police officer, on charges related to weapons.

At the end of the investigation, the four were released and placed under house arrest, and the police officer was temporarily suspended from duty. The decision regarding the four will be made later.