Israeli soldiers try to tow a tank stuck in the mud on the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon, in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel, on March 21, 2026. (Credit: AFP)
BEIRUT — Israeli soldiers and commanders have acknowledged widespread looting of civilian property in southern Lebanon, including sofas, televisions, motorcycles and carpets, with little disciplinary action taken, Haaretz reported on Thursday.
The phenomenon has reportedly expanded, among other reasons, because some military police posts previously positioned at exit points from southern Lebanon to prevent looting have been removed, and because no posts were deployed at other exit routes in the first place, according to the newspaper.
Soldiers said that even commanders who condemn the practice are not taking disciplinary measures to stop it. “When there is no punishment, the message is clear,” according to Haaretz.
Regular and reserve soldiers are reportedly taking large amounts of civilian property from homes and businesses in southern Lebanon, soldiers and commanders on the ground told Haaretz.
According to their testimonies, the theft of motorcycles, televisions, paintings, sofas and carpets has become routine. Senior and junior commanders are aware of the practice but are not taking steps to stop it.
The Israeli army said in response that it takes disciplinary and criminal measures when necessary, and that military police carry out inspections “at the northern border crossing when leaving the fighting.” However, the report noted that some of the military police checkpoints previously deployed at exit points to prevent looting have been removed, and that no checkpoints were placed at other exits.
Israel has also faced similar accusations during its war in Gaza. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has documented extensive and systematic looting of Palestinian homes and businesses in Gaza by Israeli forces, estimating theft of cash, gold and valuables worth tens of millions of dollars. Testimonies and social media footage have also shown soldiers taking belongings, destroying property and razing homes during raids.
Humanitarian convoy reaches Rmeish, Ain Ibl, Dibil despite obstacles
