31 july 2016
Ofek Buchris, who has been indicted for a series of sexual assaults including rape, asked Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot to discharge him from the IDF so that he can stand trial as a civilian: 'I loyally served my people and my home.'
Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris, who stands accused of a series of secual assualt allegations including rape, was released on Sunday from the IDF after requesting that he be discharged b Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
According to the IDF spokesperson’s unit, “Brig. Gen. Buchris asked Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot to be immediately discharged from the IDF so that he may stand trial as a civilian, and not an active-duty IDF officer."
Eisenkot accepted his request and Buchris officially concluded his service in the military the same evening.
Buchris released a statement on Sunday evening: “Today I conclude 28 years in which I loyally served my people and my home. I am grateful for the tremendous privilege which has been granted upon me, for the meaningful and challenging service, and for the opportunity to meet with people in every layer in Israeli society," he said.
“I am grateful to my many subordinates, who followed my leadership in the battlefields, in training fields and on the borders. I enjoyed your company very much. You demonstrated real camaraderie on the battlefield. Your friendship is real."
“I am grateful to my commanders for their faith and cooperation in the complicated workings of the military. During my service as a commander, 24 fighters fell and did not return to their homes. I will always cherish them in my heart and as far as I am concerned, I will always remain their commander. At this time, I wish to send a warm hug and my love to their families and I wish them good mental health and good physical health to the wounded,” Buchris continued.
“I am grateful to the system which answered my request and enabled me to implement this appropriate norm. I turn to the fight of my life. I am innocent and I will fight for my good name and innocence."
“Despite the disruption of my life’s path...I am happy with my part, proud of my military service and I hope that I will return to contribute to my country after my acquittal.
Buchris is accused of raping three soldiers who were under his command and is accused of sodomizing one of them several times. The high ranking officer, who was supposed to become the head of the Operations Division, was also accused of indecent acts against a female major under his command. There are 17 pages of indictments against Buchris, two of which deal with him committing sexual offenses between 2010 and 2013.
The acts allegedly occurred at his country home, in his offices on base, in his bureau, and even in his military provided car. One instance occurred in the house of one of the victims.
After the publication of the Military Advocate General's decision on the filing of indictments, Buchris maintained his innocence, claming that "it never happened," when confronted outside of his house.
Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris, who stands accused of a series of secual assualt allegations including rape, was released on Sunday from the IDF after requesting that he be discharged b Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
According to the IDF spokesperson’s unit, “Brig. Gen. Buchris asked Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot to be immediately discharged from the IDF so that he may stand trial as a civilian, and not an active-duty IDF officer."
Eisenkot accepted his request and Buchris officially concluded his service in the military the same evening.
Buchris released a statement on Sunday evening: “Today I conclude 28 years in which I loyally served my people and my home. I am grateful for the tremendous privilege which has been granted upon me, for the meaningful and challenging service, and for the opportunity to meet with people in every layer in Israeli society," he said.
“I am grateful to my many subordinates, who followed my leadership in the battlefields, in training fields and on the borders. I enjoyed your company very much. You demonstrated real camaraderie on the battlefield. Your friendship is real."
“I am grateful to my commanders for their faith and cooperation in the complicated workings of the military. During my service as a commander, 24 fighters fell and did not return to their homes. I will always cherish them in my heart and as far as I am concerned, I will always remain their commander. At this time, I wish to send a warm hug and my love to their families and I wish them good mental health and good physical health to the wounded,” Buchris continued.
“I am grateful to the system which answered my request and enabled me to implement this appropriate norm. I turn to the fight of my life. I am innocent and I will fight for my good name and innocence."
“Despite the disruption of my life’s path...I am happy with my part, proud of my military service and I hope that I will return to contribute to my country after my acquittal.
Buchris is accused of raping three soldiers who were under his command and is accused of sodomizing one of them several times. The high ranking officer, who was supposed to become the head of the Operations Division, was also accused of indecent acts against a female major under his command. There are 17 pages of indictments against Buchris, two of which deal with him committing sexual offenses between 2010 and 2013.
The acts allegedly occurred at his country home, in his offices on base, in his bureau, and even in his military provided car. One instance occurred in the house of one of the victims.
After the publication of the Military Advocate General's decision on the filing of indictments, Buchris maintained his innocence, claming that "it never happened," when confronted outside of his house.
30 july 2016
Israeli soldiers attacked, Friday, the weekly nonviolent protest against the Annexation Wall and colonies in Bil’in village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and kidnapped a Palestinian teen and an Israeli solidarity activist.
The Popular Committee in Bil’in said the soldiers kidnapped Hamza al-Khatib, 17, and Israeli peace activists Anat Lev.
Lev was later released and placed under house arrest under very severe restrictions. She said the police broke into her apartment in Tel Aviv after destroying the locks with permission of the landlord.
Dozens of Palestinians, Israeli and international peace activists, including members of “Black Lives Matter” participated in the procession that started from the center of the village, heading towards the Palestinian orchards.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and colonies, Abdullah Abu Rahma, called for massive participation in the Sunday evening protest, in Douma village, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, to commemorate the death of the Dawabsha family, who were burnt to death last year, after Israeli terrorists firebombed their home as they slept.
The protesters carried posters of Sa’ad Dawabsha, his wife Reham and their child, Ali, 18 months, who were all killed in the terrorist attack, while the only survivor, Ahmad, 5, suffered severe burns. They called on the international community to act and bring the killers to justice.
The Popular Committee in Bil’in said the soldiers kidnapped Hamza al-Khatib, 17, and Israeli peace activists Anat Lev.
Lev was later released and placed under house arrest under very severe restrictions. She said the police broke into her apartment in Tel Aviv after destroying the locks with permission of the landlord.
Dozens of Palestinians, Israeli and international peace activists, including members of “Black Lives Matter” participated in the procession that started from the center of the village, heading towards the Palestinian orchards.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and colonies, Abdullah Abu Rahma, called for massive participation in the Sunday evening protest, in Douma village, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, to commemorate the death of the Dawabsha family, who were burnt to death last year, after Israeli terrorists firebombed their home as they slept.
The protesters carried posters of Sa’ad Dawabsha, his wife Reham and their child, Ali, 18 months, who were all killed in the terrorist attack, while the only survivor, Ahmad, 5, suffered severe burns. They called on the international community to act and bring the killers to justice.
27 july 2016
Speaking to his followers, Rabbi Eliezer Berland is heard telling them that since he had forced himself on a woman against her will, there was no need for her to divorce her husband; despite already having escaped from a previous house arrest, Berland is seeking to be allowed to await trial at home.
Channel 2 News revealed on Tuesday recordings where Rabbi Eliezer Berland, who was extradited to Israel last week on charges of sex crimes, confesses to sexually assaulting a woman, explicitly stating that he committed the act against her will.
The recordings include a conversation between Berland and several of his followers, in which he referred to "the first time I raped her," explaining that she was not obligated to divorce her husband, since she did not consent to the act.
"She had not idea what was happening, so there is no need for a get (a Jewish divorce document —ed.)," Berland told his listeners. "The rape had completely broken her, start to finish." He told them that "she never did it out of her own free will."
Another recording released was that of one of the women Berland had allegedly victimized. The woman can be heard saying, "It happened ten times. On several occasions, he would talk to me and smile and I would talk to him as if nothing was going on. Sometimes I would be lying on top of him while he talked to me. Usually, though, there would be a feeling of awe, especially during our last meeting. The last few times I came, he didn't say a word, and we simply went to bed."
The woman explained that the entire situation left her confused. "I couldn't understand what he was even doing. And if I didn't understand what was going on, how could I have asked any questions about it?"
Berland's attorney, Rachel Toren, refuted the claims of misconduct on her client's part. "I have no doubt that this is yet another fabrication created by his adversaries, some of whom include members of his own family." Toren fundamentally discredited one of the women who had allegedly been violated for not filing an official complaint sooner. "If there was any truth to it, she would have already gone to the police."
Representing some of the women who have brought forward allegations of sexual misconduct against Berland is Sarah Markovich. She said that "new evidence shows that under no circumstances can Berland be allowed to be released to house arrest," stressing that "there are women who may not come forward if he will be released, and it might scare the women who have already spoken out."
79-year-old Berland had founded the Shuvu Banim Yeshiva in Jerusalem and is considered a leading figure among the Breslov Hasidic community. In 2012, one of his followers had stated seeing him in a compromising position with a girl from the local community. The man was beaten by his other followers, which brought the incident to the police's attention. The ensuing investigation gathered testimonies from several women, accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Berland had fled from Israel to Morocco in 2013, after being requested to make himself available for police questioning on suspicion of sexual misconduct. After King Muhammed VI of Morocco ordered him to leave, Berland moved to Zimbabwe. When news of the standing sexual allegations against him reached Zimbabwe, the government decided to eject him, as well, claiming that his Visa had expired. In 2014, Berland moved to South Africa, but after a warrant for his arrest was filed by Interpol, he escaped to Holland, where he was finally arrested. Berland was then placed under house arrest and due to be flown back to Israel, but in July 2015 he disappeared. Two months later, it was discovered that he had returned to South Africa, where he was ultimately apprehended and sent to Israel to stand trial. Hundreds of his followers awaited him at Ben Gurion Airport, joining in a group prayer after he had landed.
Channel 2 News revealed on Tuesday recordings where Rabbi Eliezer Berland, who was extradited to Israel last week on charges of sex crimes, confesses to sexually assaulting a woman, explicitly stating that he committed the act against her will.
The recordings include a conversation between Berland and several of his followers, in which he referred to "the first time I raped her," explaining that she was not obligated to divorce her husband, since she did not consent to the act.
"She had not idea what was happening, so there is no need for a get (a Jewish divorce document —ed.)," Berland told his listeners. "The rape had completely broken her, start to finish." He told them that "she never did it out of her own free will."
Another recording released was that of one of the women Berland had allegedly victimized. The woman can be heard saying, "It happened ten times. On several occasions, he would talk to me and smile and I would talk to him as if nothing was going on. Sometimes I would be lying on top of him while he talked to me. Usually, though, there would be a feeling of awe, especially during our last meeting. The last few times I came, he didn't say a word, and we simply went to bed."
The woman explained that the entire situation left her confused. "I couldn't understand what he was even doing. And if I didn't understand what was going on, how could I have asked any questions about it?"
Berland's attorney, Rachel Toren, refuted the claims of misconduct on her client's part. "I have no doubt that this is yet another fabrication created by his adversaries, some of whom include members of his own family." Toren fundamentally discredited one of the women who had allegedly been violated for not filing an official complaint sooner. "If there was any truth to it, she would have already gone to the police."
Representing some of the women who have brought forward allegations of sexual misconduct against Berland is Sarah Markovich. She said that "new evidence shows that under no circumstances can Berland be allowed to be released to house arrest," stressing that "there are women who may not come forward if he will be released, and it might scare the women who have already spoken out."
79-year-old Berland had founded the Shuvu Banim Yeshiva in Jerusalem and is considered a leading figure among the Breslov Hasidic community. In 2012, one of his followers had stated seeing him in a compromising position with a girl from the local community. The man was beaten by his other followers, which brought the incident to the police's attention. The ensuing investigation gathered testimonies from several women, accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Berland had fled from Israel to Morocco in 2013, after being requested to make himself available for police questioning on suspicion of sexual misconduct. After King Muhammed VI of Morocco ordered him to leave, Berland moved to Zimbabwe. When news of the standing sexual allegations against him reached Zimbabwe, the government decided to eject him, as well, claiming that his Visa had expired. In 2014, Berland moved to South Africa, but after a warrant for his arrest was filed by Interpol, he escaped to Holland, where he was finally arrested. Berland was then placed under house arrest and due to be flown back to Israel, but in July 2015 he disappeared. Two months later, it was discovered that he had returned to South Africa, where he was ultimately apprehended and sent to Israel to stand trial. Hundreds of his followers awaited him at Ben Gurion Airport, joining in a group prayer after he had landed.
24 july 2016
Despite publicly claiming nothing had happened with women who complained against him, Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris admitted to the CID he kissed one of them; 'We got carried away once,' he told investigators; Maj. Gen. Hacohen harshly criticized for comparing Buchris to King David; name of one complainant exposed on Facebook.
Despite vehemently denying in public any inappropriate conduct, Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris has reportedly admitted to kissing one of the two women who complained against him in his interrogation at the IDF's criminal investigation division (CID).
Buchris was charged with rape, indecent assault and inappropriate behavior on Thursday, which he allegedly committed during his previous command in the military.
From the moment the story broke, and even after the indictment against him was filed last week, Buchris has denied having any physical contact with the two complainants.
In a private polygraph test, taken shortly after the story broke, Buchris said, "This never was and never existed. Not sex, not even stroking."
Later, one of his friends attested, "He insists nothing happened."
On Thursday, after the indictment was filed against him, Buchris delivered a statement to the press outside his home, publicly addressing the allegations for the first time.
"This never was and never existed," he claimed. "I've decided to respond to the media, in an unusual move, after having kept silent for almost five months, because I owe an explanation to the public I've been serving my entire adult life. We were shocked about the decision to file an indictment."
But he told a different version of events to the CID, according to a report on Channel 2 on Friday night.
"There were hugs, maybe kisses," Buchris reportedly told his interrogators. "It was consensual. There was one time in which we kissed, and later we had a conversation in which we said this was a one-off thing, that we were going to stop immediately. People shouldn't think there was a romantic relationship. We got carried away once. We kissed on the cheek and then on the lips and that's it... it happened in (kibbutz) Nahal Oz, in some office."
Over the weekend, Buchris received support from his former commander, Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen, in a comment that caused outrage.
In an interview with Army Radio on Friday morning, Hacohen said, "We must remember Buchris's bravery, despite the serious acts he is accused of. I'm with the Bible on this. David remained the King of Israel despite the fact it was clear what happened with Bat Sheva."
Hacohen was harshly criticized for praising Buchris while blatantly ignoring the allegations against him, and issued an apology on Saturday night.
"I did not condone heroes taking the women of the IDF, that's outrageous," he said. "I didn't mean to defend him; I meant to say that the man has rights. Did I dispute the incitement? No. All I did was say this is a hero that soldiers followed, and this cannot be taken away from him. The fact he did bad things—God preserve us. Those who understood (from my comments) that he could be king like David—misunderstood. That's not what I meant and I apologize."
Meanwhile, the name of one of the two women who complained against Buchris was exposed on Facebook on a page supporting in support of the disgraced officer that has over 8,500 followers.
This is considered a criminal offense, as the law forbids exposing the identity of complainants in sexual offenses without their explicit consent.
Despite vehemently denying in public any inappropriate conduct, Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris has reportedly admitted to kissing one of the two women who complained against him in his interrogation at the IDF's criminal investigation division (CID).
Buchris was charged with rape, indecent assault and inappropriate behavior on Thursday, which he allegedly committed during his previous command in the military.
From the moment the story broke, and even after the indictment against him was filed last week, Buchris has denied having any physical contact with the two complainants.
In a private polygraph test, taken shortly after the story broke, Buchris said, "This never was and never existed. Not sex, not even stroking."
Later, one of his friends attested, "He insists nothing happened."
On Thursday, after the indictment was filed against him, Buchris delivered a statement to the press outside his home, publicly addressing the allegations for the first time.
"This never was and never existed," he claimed. "I've decided to respond to the media, in an unusual move, after having kept silent for almost five months, because I owe an explanation to the public I've been serving my entire adult life. We were shocked about the decision to file an indictment."
But he told a different version of events to the CID, according to a report on Channel 2 on Friday night.
"There were hugs, maybe kisses," Buchris reportedly told his interrogators. "It was consensual. There was one time in which we kissed, and later we had a conversation in which we said this was a one-off thing, that we were going to stop immediately. People shouldn't think there was a romantic relationship. We got carried away once. We kissed on the cheek and then on the lips and that's it... it happened in (kibbutz) Nahal Oz, in some office."
Over the weekend, Buchris received support from his former commander, Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen, in a comment that caused outrage.
In an interview with Army Radio on Friday morning, Hacohen said, "We must remember Buchris's bravery, despite the serious acts he is accused of. I'm with the Bible on this. David remained the King of Israel despite the fact it was clear what happened with Bat Sheva."
Hacohen was harshly criticized for praising Buchris while blatantly ignoring the allegations against him, and issued an apology on Saturday night.
"I did not condone heroes taking the women of the IDF, that's outrageous," he said. "I didn't mean to defend him; I meant to say that the man has rights. Did I dispute the incitement? No. All I did was say this is a hero that soldiers followed, and this cannot be taken away from him. The fact he did bad things—God preserve us. Those who understood (from my comments) that he could be king like David—misunderstood. That's not what I meant and I apologize."
Meanwhile, the name of one of the two women who complained against Buchris was exposed on Facebook on a page supporting in support of the disgraced officer that has over 8,500 followers.
This is considered a criminal offense, as the law forbids exposing the identity of complainants in sexual offenses without their explicit consent.
One woman posted the complainant’s name on the page, writing "Why did you beg to stay in the army with Buchris? Is this the behavior of a serial rape victim? Or perhaps it was fun for you to imagine and delude yourself into thinking that an officer in such a high rank was interested in you? Your allegations in the indictment are so serious and described well. Do you have evidence to any of these allegations? You are indeed a girl with a very rich and developed imagination. Perhaps you should use it to write a good book instead of ruining people's lives."
Sources close to the complainant, A., said there are plans to file a complaint with the police against the poster.
Adva Azar, who runs the Facebook page in question, denied involvement in the exposure of the complainant’s name and said she worked to remove any mention of her identity as soon as she learned of the post. While Azar, who served in Golani's 51st Battalion which Buchris was in command, is in contact with his relatives, she stresses the page is not officially linked to Buchris or his lawyers and is a private initiative of hers.
Sources close to the complainant, A., said there are plans to file a complaint with the police against the poster.
Adva Azar, who runs the Facebook page in question, denied involvement in the exposure of the complainant’s name and said she worked to remove any mention of her identity as soon as she learned of the post. While Azar, who served in Golani's 51st Battalion which Buchris was in command, is in contact with his relatives, she stresses the page is not officially linked to Buchris or his lawyers and is a private initiative of hers.
23 july 2016
The Israeli army radio said that an Israeli reconnaissance unit on Friday prevented a Jewish man from being captured by al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas on the border with the Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli claims that members of this unit, which is directly subordinate to the military intelligence and assigned to monitor all areas along the Gaza borderline, spotted an Israeli citizen approaching the security fence in a bid to cross into Gaza.
Upon his attempt to climb over the fence, soldiers aboard a military patrol vehicle were dispatched to the area immediately and arrested the man.
The man, who was identified as a Jewish young settler from Beersheba, justified his attempt to enter Gaza by saying he wanted to meet captive soldier Hadar Goldin.
According to the Israeli claims that members of this unit, which is directly subordinate to the military intelligence and assigned to monitor all areas along the Gaza borderline, spotted an Israeli citizen approaching the security fence in a bid to cross into Gaza.
Upon his attempt to climb over the fence, soldiers aboard a military patrol vehicle were dispatched to the area immediately and arrested the man.
The man, who was identified as a Jewish young settler from Beersheba, justified his attempt to enter Gaza by saying he wanted to meet captive soldier Hadar Goldin.
22 july 2016
Na’ama Buchris, whose husband is set to stand trial on a series of rape and sexual assault charges, told Ynet that she stands firmly behind her husband; attacks 'cowardly decision' to arraign him, dismisses the whole case as 'plot.'
For the first time since the details of sexual assault allegation against Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris came to public light last March, his wife, Na’ama has stated her wholehearted support for her husband in an interview with Ynet.
After the indictment was issued against Buchris on Thursday, alleging a number of serious sexual assaults against a female officer who claimed that she had been harassed by him when he commanded the Golani brigade, his wife stated that she trusted her husband’s version of events: “The faith in Ofek and his integrity has remained strong throughout the months we have passed,” Na’ama told Yedioth Ahronoth.”
She then attacked the Military Advocate General, Brig. Gen. Sharon Afek who ruled that her husband would stand trial: “I am surprised and shocked at the cowardly decision taken by the Military Advocate General. He received all the legal tools to end this plot,” she said.
Turning to the handling of the case by the military police, Na’ama said: “This decision joins the scandalous interrogation procedures and raises questions about things that I, in my naivety, did not believe could happen.”
Buchris stands accused of three counts of rape of a female soldier under his command and also of indecently assaulting her on a number of occasions. The senior officer, who was supposed to be appointed head of the operational command - a nomination which was cancelled due to the investigation - was also charged with indecent assault against Major ‘L’, also under his command.
Overall, 17 sexual harassment charges against two female soldiers over a period of three years from July 2010 to September 2013 were leveled against him.
The incidents are said to have taken place in a holiday cabin, in his room on his military base, in his office and even in his military vehicle. On one occasion, it has been alleged that an assault took place in the home of one of the complainants.
Buchris, who is set to stand trial in one month in a special military court in the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, denied any wrongdoing or misconduct while addressing the press shortly after receiving the indictment: “It never happened. This is a fight for my life which I will win,” he promised before explaining why he had chosen only now to comment on the issue.
“I (am speaking) because I have to explain to the public, to my fellow commanders and subordinates, that I have worked all my life on their behalf. There is no substance to the indictment and all this will become clear during the hearing.”
He went on to denounce the indictment as “a piece of paper which says I have done this or that” and concluded by thanking his supporters. “I am grateful to all my supporters, to my friends and to all those who have encouraged us and are with us all the way.”
For the first time since the details of sexual assault allegation against Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris came to public light last March, his wife, Na’ama has stated her wholehearted support for her husband in an interview with Ynet.
After the indictment was issued against Buchris on Thursday, alleging a number of serious sexual assaults against a female officer who claimed that she had been harassed by him when he commanded the Golani brigade, his wife stated that she trusted her husband’s version of events: “The faith in Ofek and his integrity has remained strong throughout the months we have passed,” Na’ama told Yedioth Ahronoth.”
She then attacked the Military Advocate General, Brig. Gen. Sharon Afek who ruled that her husband would stand trial: “I am surprised and shocked at the cowardly decision taken by the Military Advocate General. He received all the legal tools to end this plot,” she said.
Turning to the handling of the case by the military police, Na’ama said: “This decision joins the scandalous interrogation procedures and raises questions about things that I, in my naivety, did not believe could happen.”
Buchris stands accused of three counts of rape of a female soldier under his command and also of indecently assaulting her on a number of occasions. The senior officer, who was supposed to be appointed head of the operational command - a nomination which was cancelled due to the investigation - was also charged with indecent assault against Major ‘L’, also under his command.
Overall, 17 sexual harassment charges against two female soldiers over a period of three years from July 2010 to September 2013 were leveled against him.
The incidents are said to have taken place in a holiday cabin, in his room on his military base, in his office and even in his military vehicle. On one occasion, it has been alleged that an assault took place in the home of one of the complainants.
Buchris, who is set to stand trial in one month in a special military court in the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, denied any wrongdoing or misconduct while addressing the press shortly after receiving the indictment: “It never happened. This is a fight for my life which I will win,” he promised before explaining why he had chosen only now to comment on the issue.
“I (am speaking) because I have to explain to the public, to my fellow commanders and subordinates, that I have worked all my life on their behalf. There is no substance to the indictment and all this will become clear during the hearing.”
He went on to denounce the indictment as “a piece of paper which says I have done this or that” and concluded by thanking his supporters. “I am grateful to all my supporters, to my friends and to all those who have encouraged us and are with us all the way.”
21 july 2016
After the brigadier general was indicted for rape, one of his alleged victims exposed a letter she wrote to him detailing the pain he caused her; Buchris: 'It never happened.'
Brig. Gen Ofek Buchris will stand trial after being indicted for rape and indecent assault which he allegedly committed during his previous command in the military. An indictment was issued against him in a special military court on Thursday. Buchris also stands accused of inappropriate behavior.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit issued a statement on the matter saying, “The individual is an extremely accomplished officer. The Military Advocate General has said that the decision was taken with a heavy heart. However, as part of a thorough investigation, evidence which seemed to corroborate that the officer carried out a number of serious sexual offences against a female junior soldier during her mandatory service, and against an officer when the two served together when he commanded the Golani brigade. The Military Advocate General therefore decided to issue the indictment.”
The decision was taken after the Military Advocate General heard the testimony of two reliable complainants over the course of several weeks who appeared to have no ulterior motive for filing a lawsuit. The court also heard Buchris's version of events.
The case gathered pace in March when Buchris was investigated on suspicion of a string of rape charges including of a soldier under his command five years ago in a country villa. He was also accused of sexual harassment of a female officer who claimed that she was harassed by Buchris when he commanded the Golani brigade.
'You took advantage of me'
One of the female soldiers who was allegedly raped wrote him a letter about the incident and about how the incident has negatively impacted her life.
This letter, written two years ago, is one of the central pieces of evidence in the trial against the former head of the Golani battalion. A copy of the letter was published on Israeli Channel 2. Buchris allegedly read the letter when the female soldier sent it and then destroyed it.
"It’s not by chance that the IDF outlawed officers sleeping with their subordinates," the letter read, "it comes from a need to protect the subordinates from a situation wherein a commander uses their power and status to obtain what they want, and where the subordinate feels that they must accede to their commander only because of the fact that they have the power to do so. I felt everything that happened occurred through a bizarre and twisted legitimacy. I now understand that at that time I didn't really understand what was happening and that I was blinded by your power and your authority."
"Now, in retrospect," the letter continued, "after processing what happened, I understand that you took advantage of me. You took advantage of my loyalty, you took advantage of my naïveté, of the fact that I wouldn't tell anyone what happened in those side rooms. You took advantage of your power and the knowledge that there isn't anyone who can tell you 'no', even if you gave them the option of doing so. I understand that everything that happened was an exploitation of your position—your ability to put psychological pressure on me as your soldier.
Needless to say, the trauma I went through following your sexual exploitation of me as your subordinate affected and hurt me a lot and in many ways. All of my trust in people was destroyed—I can't trust anyone and the way I live my day to day life has been really affected. I told my parents and immediate family everything that happened."
'It never happened'
Buchris is accused of raping three soldiers who were under his command and is accused of sodomizing one of them several times. The high ranking officer, who was supposed to become the head of the Operations Division, was also accused of indecent acts against a female major under his command. There are 17 pages of indictments against Buchris, two of which deal with him committing sexual offenses between 2010 and 2013.
The acts allegedly occurred at his country home, in his offices on base, in his bureau, and even in his military provided car. One instance occurred in the house of one of the victims.
After the publication of the Military Advocate General's decision on the filing of indictments, Buchris maintained his innocence, claming that "it never happened," when confronted outside of his house.
"This is a battle for my life and I intend to win. We were astonished by the decision to indict me. No matter what happens, everything will be clarified in the courts. I'm sure that when the issue will reach the courts and the proceedings become public, everyone will see the truth—the truth will come to light."
Brig. Gen Ofek Buchris will stand trial after being indicted for rape and indecent assault which he allegedly committed during his previous command in the military. An indictment was issued against him in a special military court on Thursday. Buchris also stands accused of inappropriate behavior.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit issued a statement on the matter saying, “The individual is an extremely accomplished officer. The Military Advocate General has said that the decision was taken with a heavy heart. However, as part of a thorough investigation, evidence which seemed to corroborate that the officer carried out a number of serious sexual offences against a female junior soldier during her mandatory service, and against an officer when the two served together when he commanded the Golani brigade. The Military Advocate General therefore decided to issue the indictment.”
The decision was taken after the Military Advocate General heard the testimony of two reliable complainants over the course of several weeks who appeared to have no ulterior motive for filing a lawsuit. The court also heard Buchris's version of events.
The case gathered pace in March when Buchris was investigated on suspicion of a string of rape charges including of a soldier under his command five years ago in a country villa. He was also accused of sexual harassment of a female officer who claimed that she was harassed by Buchris when he commanded the Golani brigade.
'You took advantage of me'
One of the female soldiers who was allegedly raped wrote him a letter about the incident and about how the incident has negatively impacted her life.
This letter, written two years ago, is one of the central pieces of evidence in the trial against the former head of the Golani battalion. A copy of the letter was published on Israeli Channel 2. Buchris allegedly read the letter when the female soldier sent it and then destroyed it.
"It’s not by chance that the IDF outlawed officers sleeping with their subordinates," the letter read, "it comes from a need to protect the subordinates from a situation wherein a commander uses their power and status to obtain what they want, and where the subordinate feels that they must accede to their commander only because of the fact that they have the power to do so. I felt everything that happened occurred through a bizarre and twisted legitimacy. I now understand that at that time I didn't really understand what was happening and that I was blinded by your power and your authority."
"Now, in retrospect," the letter continued, "after processing what happened, I understand that you took advantage of me. You took advantage of my loyalty, you took advantage of my naïveté, of the fact that I wouldn't tell anyone what happened in those side rooms. You took advantage of your power and the knowledge that there isn't anyone who can tell you 'no', even if you gave them the option of doing so. I understand that everything that happened was an exploitation of your position—your ability to put psychological pressure on me as your soldier.
Needless to say, the trauma I went through following your sexual exploitation of me as your subordinate affected and hurt me a lot and in many ways. All of my trust in people was destroyed—I can't trust anyone and the way I live my day to day life has been really affected. I told my parents and immediate family everything that happened."
'It never happened'
Buchris is accused of raping three soldiers who were under his command and is accused of sodomizing one of them several times. The high ranking officer, who was supposed to become the head of the Operations Division, was also accused of indecent acts against a female major under his command. There are 17 pages of indictments against Buchris, two of which deal with him committing sexual offenses between 2010 and 2013.
The acts allegedly occurred at his country home, in his offices on base, in his bureau, and even in his military provided car. One instance occurred in the house of one of the victims.
After the publication of the Military Advocate General's decision on the filing of indictments, Buchris maintained his innocence, claming that "it never happened," when confronted outside of his house.
"This is a battle for my life and I intend to win. We were astonished by the decision to indict me. No matter what happens, everything will be clarified in the courts. I'm sure that when the issue will reach the courts and the proceedings become public, everyone will see the truth—the truth will come to light."
