13 rats overwhelm 'Israeli' military base in Haifa amid sanitation claims

• Source alleges rat infestation at Haifa naval base.
• Rats reportedly contaminate stored food.
• Staff say response remains inadequate.
• 'Israel' says issue handled, renovations ongoing.

Allegations of "catastrophic" sanitary conditions have surfaced at the 'Israeli' military Haifa Naval Training Base, which houses approximately 1,200 male and female soldiers.

According to a report by N12 News, an anonymous source working in the base's kitchen alleges that the military's response has been entirely insufficient to manage a daily manifestation of rats.

The anonymous worker stated that appeals regarding the sanitation crisis have been made for months, noting that rats frequently enter the facility through holes in the walls, plumbing systems, and air-conditioning ducts.

"Everything here is rotten and exposed," the source told N12, pointing out that up to 13 rats have been spotted in a single day.

Rats found in the food at the Haifa Naval Base. (credit: SCREENSHOT/N12)

Contaminated food pots

The kitchen employee recalled a shocking incident that occurred while preparing lunch for the soldiers.

"We took a pot out of the refrigeration room to start heating it. I came to stir it with a large spoon, and suddenly I lifted the spoon and saw a rat inside the pot," the source described, calling it one of the most shocking things he had ever witnessed.

Furthermore, the source alleged that rats regularly gnaw through the lids of food containers intended for soldiers who eat outside of the dining hall.

While kitchen staff throw away food if they spot bite marks or dirt, the source warned that "it is impossible to know about everything".

Conditions have reportedly become so severe that staff make it a custom to arrive at 5 am to document and photograph the rats running into wall cavities inside the refrigeration rooms.

Signs of rats in the food at the Haifa Naval Base. (credit: SCREENSHOT/N12)

Demands for closure vs. military assurances

The source argued that the building's infrastructure is fundamentally flawed, citing rotten plumbing, an old ceiling, and an aged structure.

While the 'Israeli' military stated that renovations -such as sealing openings in the walls and refrigeration rooms- were carried out, the source countered that the rats "come back every time" and that the real solution requires closing the kitchen entirely for a thorough overhaul.

According to N12, the military assured that it is actively handling the matter and has arranged for an exterminator to visit the base on a weekly basis.

The kitchen employees, however, claimed these measures are ineffective and stated they had to purchase their own rat traps because the military's plastic traps did not help.

"What interests them [the military officials] is that there should be bread and that tables should be cleaned," the source claimed.

In response to the report, the 'Israeli' military clarified that the images showing a rat inside a cooking pot and gnawed food containers are from several months ago and that the situation has since been dealt with.

The military added that army health officials conduct routine inspections alongside pest control and preventive measures to safeguard soldiers' health.

The 'Israeli' military further noted that while infrastructure renovations are underway, soldiers are currently receiving their meals from an external catering provider.