Israeli troops loot homes in occupied southern Lebanese villages

BEIRUT — Israeli soldiers and commanders have admitted that, in addition to the systematic demolitions in villages in southern Lebanon occupied by Israel, troops are participating in widespread looting of civilian property, with no disciplinary action being taken against the soldiers, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported Thursday.

Both regular soldiers and reservists are said to be taking large quantities of civilian goods from homes and businesses in the area occupied by the Israeli army, where the destruction of houses and entire neighborhoods is aimed at creating a "buffer zone," according to military personnel deployed on the ground, the left-leaning Israeli newspaper said.

According to their accounts, thefts of motorcycles, televisions, paintings, sofas, and even rugs have become commonplace. Both superior and lower-ranking commanders are aware of these practices and have done nothing to stop the pillaging.

Checkpoint removal

Some soldiers said that even commanders who condemn the practice are not taking disciplinary action to stop it. "When there are no sanctions, the message is clear," Haaretz criticized.

When contacted about this, the army stated that it takes disciplinary and criminal measures when necessary and that military police carry out inspections "at the northern border crossing when leaving the combat zone." However, the daily noted that some of the military police checkpoints, initially set up to prevent looting at exit points from Lebanese territory, have been removed, and that no checkpoints have been established at other exits.

The Israeli army occupies nearly 50 villages in southern Lebanon, in an area eight to 10 kilometers deep, which it intends to turn into a "buffer zone" emptied of its residents. It has continued to demolish, detonate, and burn homes in southern Lebanon, despite a 10-day cease-fire in place.

Pillaging had already been observed and reported during the war in Gaza. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor notably documented massive and systematic looting of Palestinian homes and businesses in Gaza by Israeli forces, estimating the theft of cash, gold, and valuables at several tens of millions of dollars. Testimony and images shared on social media at the time showed soldiers posing with personal belongings, looting, destroying property, and destroying homes during searches.