IDF Drafts Permanent Directive to Suspend Reservists Suspected of Sexual Offenses

The Israel Defense Forces are currently drafting a permanent directive to formally regulate the suspension of reserve duty for soldiers suspected of committing severe offenses, including sexual misconduct. According to the military, while an unwritten policy of freezing reserve service currently exists, it lacks formal binding codification in military orders.

The initiative follows a high-profile case involving attorney Idan Dvir, a military law specialist who was indicted on multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and obstruction of justice involving female soldiers and recruits. Despite having been discharged from regular service in 2008 following earlier complaints of inappropriate behavior, Dvir was later summoned to reserve duty within the Military Public Defender's Office.

In response to the revelations, former Knesset member Merav Cohen addressed a formal inquiry to Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir in April, demanding a binding institutional framework to prevent individuals facing criminal investigations or serious charges from serving in the reserves. The Personnel Directorate confirmed in July that an active staff work process is underway to establish a standardized permanent directive addressing conduct that violates military values.

"The IDF views any offense of a sexual nature with the utmost gravity and will continue to act resolutely to ensure justice is served in every such instance," the military stated, adding that reserve service is currently frozen on a case-by-case basis pending the formalization of the new regulations.